Acting United States Attorney April M. Leon has stated that Jonathan Wayne Lanaute has been sentenced by U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick to 151 months in federal prison for bank robbery. Lanaute, aged 40 and a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will also serve three years of supervised release after his prison term. He has been ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution.
Lanaute entered the United Community Bank on Bluebonnet Boulevard, Baton Rouge, on May 3, 2024, with the intent to rob. Presenting a note to the teller, he demanded money from the cash register, threatening harm. The teller complied, activating the computer to dispense $100 bills. During this time, Lanaute simulated having a firearm under his sweatshirt and urged the teller to "hurry up." Once the machine completed its cycle, he exited the bank with $20,000.
Law enforcement reviewed surveillance footage, which captured Lanaute entering the bank in a grey hoodie and a black Saints baseball cap, then fleeing in a dark grey Mitsubishi Lancer. The vehicle was reported stolen the night before during an armed robbery near the bank.
Police identified the vehicle near the United Community Bank. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but Lanaute led them on a chase, going into opposing traffic and causing a collision. After crashing, he fled on foot but was soon apprehended. He had $8,207.89 on him at the time of arrest.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Baton Rouge Police Department, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kristen Lundin Craig prosecuted the case.
