Man Sentenced for Spree of Robberies Throughout Louisiana

Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson announced today that United States District Court Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced GREGORY D. CHISOLM, age 53, of New Orleans, to 188 months, or fifteen and a half years, in federal prison for two bank robberies and an attempted robbery of a casino. 

Between January 4 and January 17, 2016, CHISOLM robbed a J.P. Morgan Chase Bank in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a Whitney Bank in New Orleans, Louisiana, and attempted to rob the Coushatta Casino and Resort in Kinder, Louisiana.  In each robbery, CHISOLM presented the teller with a note demanding cash, and threatened to detonate an explosive device.  CHISOLM obtained several thousand dollars in cash from the banks in Baton Rouge and New Orleans before he was apprehended while trying to rob the casino in Kinder.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “These convictions and this sentence should serve as a strong reminder of this office’s commitment to keeping the Baton Rouge community and surrounding region safe.  I want to thank Acting United States Attorney Duane Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana, and Acting United States Attorney Alexander Van Hook of the Western District of Louisiana for their assistance in working to resolve these cases together.  I also want to thank the FBI, the BRPD, and the Louisiana State Police for their expertise and investigative efforts.  We will continue to work together to pursue those who threaten our communities through their violent and dangerous actions.”

The matter in the Middle District of Louisiana was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Baton Rouge Police Department and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.  All three matters are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Smyczek.