Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Police are hoping the public can help identify a suspect in the robbery of a Sevierville bank Monday afternoon.
According to the Sevierville Police Department, officers responded to a reported robbery of the Sevier County Bank branch on Dolly Parton Parkway about 12:20 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2015.
Bank employees told police that a man handed a teller a note demanding money. He later fled in a black GMC or Chevrolet pickup with large wheels and a lowered body.
The bank’s security camera captured a good photo of the suspect’s face and police released the photo via social media, asking for help in identifying him. Anyone with information about the bank robbery or suspect in the photo should contact Detective Sam Hinson with the Sevierville Police Department at 865-868-1751 or the Knoxville FBI. Police warned the public not to approach the suspect.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
UPDATE: FBI ANNOUNCES BANK ROBBERY ARREST
FBI Knoxville
For Immediate Release Contact: SSA Marshall Stone
865-544-0751
Date: 01/06/2015
ARREST MADE IN SEVIERVILLE BANK ROBBERY
On 01/05/2015, at approximately 12:20 p.m., the Sevier County Bank, 720 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville, Tennessee, was robbed by a man who passed a bank robbery demand note to bank personnel. At approximately 5:00 p.m., Russell Lee Finley was arrested in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the bank robbery. Finley, age 47, from Knoxville, is expected to appear in the United States District Court in Knoxville on 01/06/2015.
The quick arrest is the result of a joint investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF), composed of the FBI, KPD, and the KCSO, and the Sevierville Police Department and KPD Organized Crime Unit.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Photo: Sevierville Police Department
