Cottage Grove man charged with robbing 3 banks in November

A man charged with robbing three banks in November 2021 made an initial appearance before a federal judge on Wednesday.

Michael Thomas Prall, 43, of Cottage Grove is accused of using force, violence and intimidation to steal thousands of dollars from banks in the Twin Cities area, according to court documents.

A news release from the Department of Justice said Prall stole about $775 from a Wells Fargo Bank in Cottage Grove on Nov. 30, about $4,589 from a Bremer Bank in Woodbury on Nov. 19 and $2,558 from a US Bank in Bloomington on Nov. 5.

Prall remains in custody pending further proceedings.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Cottage Grove Police Department, the Woodbury Police Department, the Bloomington Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Washington County Attorney’s Office.