By Martin J. Kidston
The FBI has assumed the investigation involving the theft of more than $8,000 reported stolen from a local bank account in Havre, the Havre Police Department reported Wednesday.
The money was reported stolen at 8:38 a.m. Monday morning, at which time the Havre Police Department teamed up with bank security and out-of-state law enforcement agencies to investigate the loss. But because banks are federally insured, the FBI has now assumed jurisdiction.
FBI Agent Matt Salacinski declined to comment on which bank was involved and the exact amount of the monetary loss.
Theres not a lot I can tell you at this point, Salacinski said. I will not discuss the name of the bank, and it would be irresponsible for me and the FBI to discuss what I dont yet know.
Salacinski did say that because the allegations involve out-of-state entities, the investigation would take some time. He also said he believes the theft was an isolated incident.
This is an isolated incident, not an epidemic. There is no scheming operation working against Hi-line residents, Salacinski said. Questions have been asked if this has anything to do with the Internet or online banking systems. The answer is no, it does not.
Salacinski said it would likely be a few weeks before the FBI had enough information to make further comment.
