Leon Jason Fortner, a 57-year-old resident of Boise, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for robbing a bank in Mountain Home. The sentencing was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.
Court records reveal that on August 20, 2024, Fortner entered the Chase Bank in Mountain Home with a backpack. He approached the teller station and claimed that the backpack contained an explosive device. He demanded cash from the tellers, threatening to detonate the device if they did not comply. After receiving cash from the tills, Fortner fled and got into a nearby vehicle.
Law enforcement officers attempted to stop him, leading to a high-speed chase through Mountain Home and onto I-84. Officers eventually disabled Fortner's vehicle and took him into custody. Cash from the robbery was found in his pockets, and he admitted to committing the robbery. The backpack was later found to contain only clothing and a water bottle.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott stated, “Mr. Fortner threatened the lives of bank employees and endangered the lives of law enforcement officers and motorists during his dangerous attempt to avoid capture.” He added that nine years in federal prison is an appropriate punishment for this crime and expressed gratitude towards local law enforcement agencies for ensuring no one was injured.
U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Fortner to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. Fortner had pleaded guilty on February 24, 2025.
The case involved collaboration between multiple agencies including the Mountain Home Police Department, Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Special Investigations, Explosive Ordinance Disposal team from Mountain Home Air Force Base, and Elmore County Prosecuting Attorney.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.
