Ex-Officer Convicted of Trying to Rob Bank
A former Oxnard police officer was convicted of trying to rob a local bank in an effort to escape mounting debts.
The jury deliberated just over a day before convicting Edward Ludaescher, 41, on Wednesday on charges of attempted robbery, burglary and planting a false bomb.
Jurors rejected Ludaescher’s argument that he was simply acting the part of a bank robber in preparation for a law enforcement training video he planned to produce.
Prosecutors said Ludaescher, an 18-year veteran of the Oxnard Police Department before retiring for medical reasons more than two years ago, arrived at American Commercial Bank in November dressed in an oversized cowboy hat and sunglasses. He also wore a police scanner on his belt and carried a handgun. Authorities later found a fake bomb that Ludaescher admitted planting in the restroom.
Prosecutors said Ludaescher had a $100,000 bank loan and other
debts in connection with a business he started after retiring from the department.
Ludaescher faces prison time when he is sentenced July 31.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
