Amarillo Man Charged in Federal Criminal Complaint

AMARILLO, TX—A federal criminal complaint was filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Amarillo charging William Rook Byard, 44, of Amarillo, Texas, with robbing the Amarillo Community Federal Credit Union, located at 4515 South Georgia, Suite 126, in Amarillo on January 29, 2008, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Byard made his initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Clinton Averitte, who ordered that he remain in federal custody pending a probable cause and detention hearing set for July 10, 2008, at 9:30 a.m.

The affidavit filed with the complaint states that a male robber entered the Amarillo Community Federal Credit Union, demanded money via a note, and brandished a handgun. Byard was given cash and then ran from the bank to a vehicle parked behind a neighboring business. Several witnesses at the scene described the escape vehicle as a four-door white sedan with a damaged windshield.

On June 30, 2008, the Amarillo Police Department received a call advising them that the escape vehicle from the credit union robbery was parked at the Saturn of Amarillo. Upon locating the previous owner of the vehicle, law enforcement officers were able to positively identify Byard as the robber.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the excellent investigative efforts of the Amarillo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vicki Lamberson.

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