Order No. 2008-019

In The Matter Of:

Akeem Bernard Stroupe
Seagoville, Texas

Before The Banking Commissioner of Texas
Austin, Travis County, Texas

Order Prohibiting Further Participation

On this day, the matter of AKEEM BERNARD STROUPE, of Seagoville, Texas (“Respondent”) was submitted to me, Randall S. James, Banking Commissioner of the State of Texas (“Commissioner”), for consideration and action.

I. Findings

The Commissioner finds from credible evidence that:

  1. Respondent worked as a bank teller for Farmers State Bank in Carthage, Texas, a branch location of Farmers State Bank, Center, Texas (“Bank”). The Texas Department of Banking (“Department”) is the appropriate state banking agency to bring this enforcement action pursuant to Texas Finance Code, § 35.003, and the Commissioner has jurisdiction over Respondent and the subject matter of this proceeding.

  2. On or about May 31, 2007, the Respondent was an employee of the Bank and aided and abetted by two other individuals, not employed by the bank, by force, violence and intimidation did take from the person and presence of another, property, namely United States currency belonging to and in care, custody, control, management and possession of the Bank, the deposits of which were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in excess of $150,000.

  3. Respondent, in committing such offence, did assault and put in jeopardy the life of another person by the use of a dangerous weapon and device, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) and (d), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.

  4. On or about September 21, 2007 the Respondent entered a plea of guilty to the charges of violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) and 2113(d), and bank robbery and aiding and abetting.

  5. The Respondent was committed to the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons to be imprisoned for a term of 60 months.

II. Conclusions

  1. Respondent violated Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) and 2113(d) and participated in a bank robbery and aiding and abetting with two other individuals, not employed by the Bank, and by force, violence and intimidation did take from the person and presence of another, property, namely United States currency belonging to and in care, custody, control, management and possession of the Bank, the deposits of which were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in excess of $150,000.

  2. Respondent's actions exposed the Bank to financial loss and reputational damage, prejudiced the interests of the Bank’s depositors; resulted in financial gain to Respondent; further, Respondent’s actions involved personal dishonesty on Respondent's part and demonstrated a wilful disregard for the safety and soundness of the Bank.

  3. Respondent's actions constitute sufficient grounds for the Commissioner to issue this Order, under the authority of Texas Finance Code, § 35.003, prohibiting Respondent from further participation in the affairs of a state bank, as defined by Texas Finance Code, § 31.002(50) (“state bank”).

III. Order

Based on the foregoing Findings and Conclusions, it is hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that, pursuant to Texas Finance Code, § 35.003 and § 35.007, and with respect to a state bank, trust company, or other entity chartered, registered or licensed by the Commissioner under the laws of this state, including an interstate branch, trust office, or representative office in this state of an out-of-state state bank, trust company, or foreign bank, and further including a perpetual care cemetery, prepaid funeral business, money services business, or private child support enforcement agency, AKEEM BERNARD STROUPE is prohibited from:

  1. serving as a director, officer, or employee;

  2. directly or indirectly participating in any manner in the conduct of its affairs;

  3. soliciting, procuring, transferring, attempting to transfer, voting, or attempting to vote any proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any voting rights; or

  4. directly or indirectly voting for a director, or serving or acting as a state bank-affiliated party.

IV. Effective Date

Pursuant to Texas Finance Code, § 35.003(c), Respondent may appeal this Order by requesting a hearing on or before July 16, 2008. If the Respondent does not timely request a hearing, this Order is effective and becomes final and nonappealable on July 17, 2008 in accordance with Texas Finance Code, § 35.003(b)(3).

V. Service

This Order Prohibiting Participation in the Affairs of a State Bank is served on AKEEM BERNARD STROUPE by mailing it certified mail, return receipt requested to FCI Seagoville, Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 9000, Seagoville, TX 75159 on DATE.

Signed on this 24th day of June, 2008.

/s/ Randall S. James                                
Randall S. James
Banking Commissioner of the State of Texas


Questions regarding this Order should be directed to:

Robert Giddings
Assistant General Counsel
Texas Department of Banking
2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 300
Austin, Texas 78705
Telephone: (512) 475-1305
Facsimile: (512) 475-1313