Fulton County Man and Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery Conspiracy

Photo byHCTR

Luke Kenna, also known as "Lt.," aged 44, from Gloversville, New York, has been handed a prison sentence of 41 months for his involvement in a conspiracy to commit bank robbery and for unlawfully possessing a firearm despite having a prior conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence. Michael Brown, Jr., also known as "Russ" and "Doc Grimson," aged 43, from Exton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 37 months in prison for his role in the same bank robbery conspiracy.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

In their respective guilty pleas, Brown and Kenna confessed to the following: between November 14 and November 27, 2022, they conspired and planned to carry out an armed bank robbery at a branch in Johnstown, New York. They were joined in this plot by another collaborator, Brian Tierney, also known as "Wodanaz." As part of their scheme, Kenna conducted surveillance on the bank and purchased various items, including weapons, to aid in the robbery. Tierney ordered handgun components for use during the crime and sent Kenna photographs of a handgun, as well as a device for scanning and jamming radio signals. Brown traveled to New York to assist Kenna with surveillance activities.

Additionally, Kenna admitted to possessing a rifle on November 6, 2022, despite having previously been convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense.

Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release on both Brown and Kenna. Furthermore, Kenna was required to forfeit the rifle he possessed in November 2022.

Brian Tierney, the third conspirator from Lynchburg, Virginia, entered a guilty plea on April 16, 2024. Chief Judge Sannes is scheduled to sentence him on August 16, 2024.

The case was investigated by the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) of the FBI Albany Field Office, which includes FBI Special Agents, as well as federal, state, and local investigators, including those from the New York State Police. The FBI's Philadelphia Field Office, the FBI's Richmond Field Office, and the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit provided additional assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is responsible for prosecuting the case.