Federal agents arrest Morrow County man for 2 armed banked robberies

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Morrow County man was arrested this morning and charged with committing two armed bank robberies.

James Travis Scurlock, 44, of Cardington, is charged with bank robbery and using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

According to charging documents, on March 6 and May 16, Scurlock robbed the same bank near the Polaris mall while carrying a firearm. Scurlock allegedly wore a black sweatshirt, jeans, white Nike shoes, black gloves and a white camouflage mask during both robberies.

An affidavit details that the first time Scurlock robbed the Huntington Bank on Gemini Place, he initially inquired about opening a bank account. After the teller asked him for two forms of identification, he allegedly pointed a handgun at the teller and told the teller to put money in his backpack. Scurlock allegedly stole approximately $13,700.

During the May robbery, Scurlock allegedly pointed the handgun at a teller before walking to two tellers’ drawers and taking cash. It is alleged that he then ordered the tellers to the vault and placed more cash into his backpack. Scurlock allegedly stole approximately $27,700 during the second robbery.

Scurlock appeared in federal court this afternoon and his case was unsealed at that time.

Bank robbery is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence carries a penalty of at least five years and up to life in prison.

Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case.

A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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