KC Reporter

A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri, has indicted James K. Kerr, a 54-year-old resident of Lee's Summit, Missouri, for the robbery of a bank in Independence. The indictment charges Kerr with one count of bank robbery and replaces an earlier federal criminal complaint filed on October 23, 2024.

The indictment alleges that Kerr committed the robbery at Hawthorn Bank located at 17430 E. 39th Street on October 21, 2024. According to an affidavit supporting the original complaint, Kerr entered the bank wearing a disguise that included a black hood over his head and other coverings such as sunglasses and gloves. He reportedly brandished what appeared to be an air pistol while demanding money from tellers.

Witnesses recounted that Kerr yelled commands like “Let’s do this!” and demanded specific denominations without bait money before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle parked nearby. A customer in the drive-through lane attempted to stop him by pushing him off the motorcycle but was threatened with a gun by Kerr before he escaped.

Bank employees recognized Kerr as one of their customers, which led investigators to establish surveillance at his residence. They observed him leaving on his motorcycle and subsequently arrested him at a gas station after noting erratic driving behavior. A search revealed an air pistol matching the description from the robbery along with clothing consistent with those worn during the crime.

The charge against Kerr is currently an accusation; it remains for a federal trial jury to determine guilt or innocence based on presented evidence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Smith is prosecuting this case following investigations conducted by both the FBI and Kansas City Police Department.