Brookville bank robber arrested

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Last Wednesday, October 31 tellers at the First Financial Bank in Brookville were shocked to see a man enter the bank and demand money. While he did not display a weapon, he managed to get away with an undisclosed amount of money.

According to information from Sgt. John D. Bowling of the Indiana State Police, the suspect fled on foot. Police released video of the robbery shortly after it occurred, and by the next day were able to arrest Billy J. Steele, 31, at Lakeshore Resorts in Franklin County. He was booked on a Robbery charge, a Class C Felony. He was taken to the Franklin County Jail and was held on a $15,000 bond. For a Class C Felony, if found guilty, Steele could receive up to eight years in prison and pay up to a $10,000 fine.

Of the arrest, Investigations Sergeant Rick Shoemaker noted, “We received several tips today (November 1) that proved to be factual and that led to the arrest of Steele. We would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.”

State police investigators were assisted in the investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and the Brookville Police Department. Police say the investigation is continuing and further charges may be filed.