Boise man sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for Mountain Home bank robbery

Armed Threat at Chase Bank

BOISE — Leon Jason Fortner, 57, of Boise, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison after robbing a Chase Bank in Mountain Home last August, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.

Court records show that on Aug. 20, 2024, Fortner entered the bank carrying a backpack and approached the teller station. He told the teller that the backpack contained an explosive device and demanded all the cash from both tellers, threatening to detonate the device if his demands were not met. The tellers complied, handing over cash from their tills. Fortner then fled the scene and entered a nearby vehicle.

High-Speed Pursuit and Arrest

Law enforcement officers attempted to stop Fortner’s vehicle, but he led them on a high-speed chase through Mountain Home and onto Interstate 84. After a lengthy pursuit, officers disabled the vehicle and took Fortner into custody. Authorities found cash from the robbery in his pockets, and Fortner admitted to robbing the bank. The backpack, which he claimed contained explosives, was later found to hold only clothing and a water bottle.

“Mr. Fortner threatened the lives of bank employees and endangered the lives of law enforcement officers and motorists during his dangerous attempt to avoid capture,” Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott said. “Nine years in federal prison is an appropriate punishment for this crime. I am thankful for the efforts of the Mountain Home Police Department and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, which ensured that no one was injured by Mr. Fortner.”

Sentencing and Investigation

U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford ordered Fortner to serve 108 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Fortner pleaded guilty on Feb. 24, 2025.

Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the Mountain Home Police Department for investigating the case, as well as the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, the Office of Special Investigations, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team from Mountain Home Air Force Base, and the Elmore County Prosecuting Attorney for their assistance during the investigation and prosecution.