A Utah man, Robert Buckley Hardy, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City for allegedly robbing two banks on separate occasions. The 47-year-old from Salt Lake County was initially charged by complaint on February 7, 2025, and subsequently taken into custody.
Court documents detail that Hardy entered a Chase Bank in Cottonwood Heights on January 30, 2025. During this visit, he reportedly asked the teller if an appointment was necessary before handing over a manila envelope containing several documents. These documents referenced various U.S. government actions related to money laundering and corruption and included a statement suggesting an active bomb threat.
Further allegations state that on February 6, 2025, Hardy entered another Chase Bank in Salt Lake City. He is accused of informing the teller it was a robbery while providing them with more envelopes and a typed note expressing sentiments about poverty and greed. The note requested $2001 to ensure FBI involvement. Surveillance footage and identification through his driver's license led to Hardy's arrest without incident.
Hardy faces charges of bank robbery with his initial court appearance scheduled for February 21, 2025. The hearing will take place at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI's Salt Lake City Field Office. Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti announced the indictment while Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda will prosecute the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched a strategy to strengthen PSN on May 26, 2021.
An indictment serves as an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.