SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – David M. Ketchmark, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a homeless Springfield, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with the armed robbery of Great Southern Bank.

Dale C. Barkfelt, 33, of Springfield, was charged in a federal criminal complaint that was filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo.

Today’s complaint alleges that Barkfelt used a handgun to rob Great Southern Bank, 1615 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, on April 9, 2012.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Barkfelt entered the bank at approximately 2 p.m. and placed a white plastic grocery bag on a teller counter. Barkfelt allegedly pointed a semi-automatic handgun at the teller and told her to “Put it in there.” The teller handed Barkfelt $966, the affidavit says, and he left the bank.

Approximately three hours after the robbery, the affidavit says, a Springfield police officer recognized Barkfelt in a bank surveillance photo. The officer was familiar with Barkfelt from previous police-related contacts, according to the affidavit, and had been in contact with Barkfelt within the previous week. Barkfelt, who is homeless, was staying at an outdoor camp site near Kansas Expressway and West Sunshine Street, which is in the vicinity of the bank. Barkfelt was arrested on April 10, 2012, on unrelated state charges and remains in state custody.

Ketchmark cautioned that the charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robyn L. McKee. It was investigated by the FBI and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

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