A 56-year-old man from Keenesburg, Colorado, is facing federal charges for allegedly robbing two banks in Brighton earlier this month. John Michael Kirby was arrested by the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and the Denver Police Department on February 26, 2024.
The First Robbery
According to the criminal complaint, Kirby robbed the TBK Bank, located at 30 N. 4th Ave., around 3 p.m. on February 6. He entered the bank wearing a black mask, a black hoodie, and blue jeans. He approached a teller and handed her a note that read: “This is a robbery. Give me all your money. No dye packs. No alarms. No one gets hurt.”
The teller complied and gave Kirby $2,850 in cash. Kirby then fled the bank on foot. He was captured on the bank’s surveillance video and a witness saw him getting into a silver Toyota Camry.
The Second Robbery
Kirby struck again on February 19, when he robbed the Bank of Colorado, located at 13 N. 50th Ave., around 2:30 p.m. He wore a similar outfit as the first robbery, but added a black hat and sunglasses. He also carried a black backpack.
He handed another note to a teller that read: “This is a robbery. Give me all your money. No dye packs. No alarms. No one gets hurt. I have a gun.” The teller gave him $3,500 in cash and he left the bank. He was again captured on the bank’s surveillance video and a witness saw him driving away in a silver Toyota Camry.
The Arrest
The FBI and the Denver Police Department identified Kirby as the suspect based on the surveillance footage, the vehicle description, and the similarity of the notes. They also obtained a search warrant for his residence in Keenesburg, where they found evidence linking him to the robberies, such as clothing, a backpack, and cash.
Kirby was taken into custody on February 26 and made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kathryn A. Starnella. He is charged by federal complaint with two counts of bank robbery, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine each.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn. Kirby is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
