Artesia Couple charged in connection to bank robbery

         ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Roman Andrew Poulsen, 39, and Lori Crapo, 40, both of Artesia, New Mexico, appeared in federal court on July 16 on charges for their respective roles in a July 15 bank robbery. Poulsen faces a charge of bank robbery while Crapo is accused of being an accessory after the fact. The defendants will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 22.

        According to a criminal complaint, on July 15, Poulsen allegedly entered a Washington Federal Bank in Artesia with his face concealed by a mask, dark glasses and a hood. Poulsen allegedly handed a demand note to a teller, then fled the bank after the teller complied. Poulsen, a regular customer at the bank, was identified by his distinct walk and mannerisms.

        Poulsen then allegedly went to a local motel where he had been residing with Crapo. The complaint alleges that Poulsen was observed placing objects into a dumpster and setting them on fire, then returning with a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Poulsen and Crapo then allegedly hastily packed some of their belongings into their vehicle and left.

        Law enforcement located the subjects’ vehicle at a country market and took Poulsen and Crapo into custody. Investigators were able to recover some of the money, which Crapo allegedly attempted to stash behind goods on a store shelf.

        A complaint is only an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Poulsen faces up to 20 years in prison and Crapo faces up to 10 years.

        The Roswell Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Artesia Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy M. Castellano is prosecuting this case.