Lawton Man Convicted of Bank Robbery using a fake bomb

OKLAHOMA CITY – Thursday afternoon, a federal jury in Oklahoma City found JOHN SCOTT BROOKS, 55, of Lawton, guilty of bank robbery involving a fake bomb, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to evidence at trial, on March 23, 2020, Brooks pulled up to the drive-through teller lane at the Southwest Oklahoma Federal Credit Union located at 6714 West Gore Boulevard, Lawton, Oklahoma, and placed a fake bomb in the teller drawer.  He immediately showed the teller a timer, which was counting down. Brooks then attempted to get away with the robbery by altering the appearance of his vehicle, creating a cover story, and erasing electronic information from his cell phone.

Evidence at trial included bank surveillance footage of the robbery, a bank robbery list found at Brooks’ residence, and a vehicle image comparison analysis performed by an FBI forensic examiner.  Multiple witnesses testified that they recognized Brooks in the still photo of the surveillance footage taken from the robbery.

The trial lasted two days and the jury deliberated approximately two hours before finding Brooks guilty of one count of bank robbery.  He was acquitted on a count of making a bomb threat.

At sentencing, Brooks faces up to twenty-five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and mandatory restitution.  Sentencing will take place in approximately 90 days.  Mr. Brooks has been in custody since his arrest on April 2, 2020.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office and the Lawton Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wilson D. McGarry and Stan West prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for more information.