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Press Release

Albuquerque man appears in court on robbery charges

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Thomas Kelly Fadgen, 41, of Albuquerque, made an initial appearance in federal court on Oct. 28 facing charges of bank robbery and interfering with commerce by threats or violence. Fadgen will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Nov. 1.

​            According to a criminal complaint, on Aug. 31, Fadgen allegedly entered a Walmart on Wyoming Boulevard in Albuquerque and approached the money services counter. He allegedly placed an orange bag on the counter, along with a demand note with which the service counter clerk complied. Fadgen allegedly fled the scene, leaving the demand note behind.

            On Oct. 5, Fadgen allegedly entered the First Convenience Bank inside the Walmart on Carlisle Boulevard in Albuquerque. He allegedly presented a demand note to a teller and lifted his shirt to display a handgun in the waistband of his pants. The teller complied and Fadgen allegedly fled the scene.

            A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Fadgen faces up to 20 years in prison.

            The FBI Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico Corrections Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez is prosecuting the case.

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Updated November 1, 2021

Topic
Violent Crime
Press Release Number: 21-216