An Artesia man and woman are accused of bank robbery and destruction of evidence, according to the United States Attorney’s Office in Albuquerque.
Roman Andrew Poulsen, 39, was charged with bank robbery and Lori Crapo, 40, was charged with accessory after the fact, per a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Both allegedly entered the Washington Federal Bank at 602 West Texas Street on July 15 and handed a teller a note demanding money, read the press release.
One suspect, who law enforcement believe was Paulson, wore a mask, dark glasses, and a hood during the robbery.
Following the robbery, law enforcement suspect Poulsen took the stolen money to a hotel where he and Crapo resided, the release cited.
Officials said the two attempted to burn evidence in a nearby trash dumpster, though the blaze was extinguished later with a fire extinguisher.
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“Poulsen and Crapo then allegedly hastily packed some of their belongings into their vehicle and left,” according to the news release.
Artesia Police Cmdr. Lindell Smith said the subjects vehicle was located at Fenn’s Country Market at 2001 West Main.
Investigators recovered some of the money after Crapo allegedly attempted to hide it behind some items on a shelf inside the store, the news release indicated.
Poulsen was arrested by Artesia police July 15 around 11:37 a.m., per an arrest record.
Crapo was arrested around 5 p.m. the same day, an arrest record noted.
Smith said information from the case was turned over to the FBI.
Both appeared in federal court on July 16 on charges for their respective roles in the bank robbery. The defendants remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday, read the news release.
If convicted, Poulsen faces up to 20 years in prison and Crapo faces up to 10 years.
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Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
