Dayton, Ohio – A Dayton man accused of carrying out a bold daytime bank robbery has now been formally indicted by a federal grand jury, deepening a case that unfolded rapidly and ended with his arrest just hours after the crime.
John Donald Butler, 62, was first charged by federal criminal complaint on April 1, but authorities confirmed that his indictment has now been returned, moving the case forward in federal court. Butler has remained in custody since the day of his arrest, facing serious consequences tied to both the recent robbery and his extensive criminal past.
Robbery carried out in broad daylight
According to charging documents, the incident took place on March 30 at approximately 2:45 p.m. at a Key Bank located on Miamisburg Centerville Road in Dayton. Investigators say Butler entered the bank disguised as a construction worker, an appearance that may have helped him blend in and avoid immediate suspicion.
Once inside, Butler allegedly approached a bank teller and handed over a note. The message was direct and alarming, instructing the employee to hand over money from the top drawer while warning not to include any dye packs. The demand created a tense moment inside the bank as the teller complied.
Authorities say Butler walked away with more than $9,000 in cash before quickly leaving the scene. Despite the disguise, one critical detail stood out — Butler was not wearing any kind of face covering, allowing security cameras to capture clear images of him during the robbery.
Swift investigation leads to arrest
Law enforcement acted quickly after the robbery. Officials reviewed the security footage and were able to identify Butler. At the same time, license plate reader technology played a key role in tracking his movements before and after the incident.
Within roughly three hours of the robbery, officers located Butler and conducted a traffic stop. The stop led to his arrest without further incident. During the search, authorities recovered cash, drugs, and the very note that had been used during the robbery, strengthening the case against him.
The speed of the arrest highlights the coordination between local and federal agencies, as well as the use of modern tools that allow officers to follow suspects in near real time.
Long criminal history adds weight to charges
What makes this case even more striking is Butler’s past. According to officials, he has previously been convicted of more than 20 other bank robberies in earlier federal cases in Florida and Georgia. This history now looms over the current charges and could play a major role in future court proceedings.
Bank robbery is a federal offense that carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Given Butler’s prior convictions, the potential consequences could be severe.
The charges were announced by United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II, alongside Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Cincinnati Division, and Moraine Police Chief Craig Richardson. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth L. McCormick is leading the prosecution.
As the case moves forward, Butler remains behind bars, awaiting the next steps in a legal process shaped by both a swift arrest and a long record of similar crimes.
