Published: May 02, 2008 10:54 pm      

Local man indicted for bank robbery

A Richmond man was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury for robbing a Lexington bank.

Joe B. Riley, 34, was charged with armed bank robbery and the use, carrying and brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence, according to the indictment.

“On or about April 12, 2008, in Fayette County ... Joe B. Riley did by force, violence and intimidation, take from the person and presence of bank employees, approximately $7,231 in money belonging to and in the care, custody, control, management and possession of Central Bank,” the indictment states, “the deposits of which were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and in committing such offense, did assault and put in jeopardy the life of another person by the use of a dangerous weapon, that is a Hi-Point, 9 mm. pistol, all in violation of (federal law).”

The Central Bank named in the indictment is located at the intersection of Man O’War and Maple Leaf Drive, a Lexington television station previously reported. The robbery reportedly took place just before 1 p.m.

Riley allegedly escaped the scene before police arrived, but was tracked down in a traffic stop after police observed a vehicle matching the get-a-way car’s description, WKYT-TV reported.

U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Edelen could not release details about whom Riley allegedly assaulted, the extent of his or her injuries, or any further details about the elements of the crime. Because the case has been taken to the federal level, Edelen said the arresting agency — Lexington Police Department — also could not comment about the case details.

“This is the nature of the indictment stage, there are strict limitations on what I can reveal,” Edelen said in an e-mail response.

According to federal court documents, a motion for an arrest warrant was issued for Riley on Thursday. No court dates have been scheduled for Riley at this time.

Kelly Foreman can be reached at kforeman@richmondregister.com or 624-6694.