Joplin men sentenced for Pinnacle Bank robbery

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

Two Joplin, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today for the attempted armed robbery of Pinnacle Bank in Joplin.

Sean LaDue, 30, and Jimmy Eisenhour, 37, both of Joplin, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough. LaDue was sentenced to 15 years 10 months in federal prison without parole. Eisenhour was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison without parole.

LaDue and Eisenhour both pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting in the

robbery of Pinnacle Bank, 1316 E. 32nd Street, Joplin, on Nov. 14, 2016. They each also pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Eisenhour and LaDue entered the bank at approximately 3:50 p.m. and announced, “This is a robbery, get down!” Eisenhour jumped behind the bank counter while LaDue, who was armed with a .22-caliber handgun, stayed near the front of the bank. The sole customer of the bank struggled with LaDue in an attempt to disarm him. During the struggle, LaDue fired multiple shots. Both robbers then fled from the bank without taking any money.

Police officers located and arrested both Eisenhour and LaDue two days later, on Nov. 16, 2016.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James J. Kelleher and Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Joplin, Mo., Police Department and the FBI