>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

James Bright, the La Grande man accused of robbing the Union-Wallowa-Baker Federal Credit Union in January, will face federal prosecution in the case.

A federal indictment, charging armed bank robbery and use of a firearm during a violent crime, was returned March 12.

Bright, 51, appeared before a federal magistrate Thursday, according to the U.S. Attorney General’s Office in Portland. He was released pending trial.

Information on a trial date for Bright was not immediately available.

Bright was arrested by La Grande police outside the Depot Street credit union Jan. 17 after an employee called 9-1-1 to report the robbery.

He was charged in Union County Circuit Court with robbery in the second degree and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Later, bail was set at $100,000. Bright was released after posting 10 percent of that amount.

On Feb. 14, Bright pled not guilty in circuit court. Judge Phil Mendiguren did not set a date for a pre-trial hearing because federal charges were being contemplated.

Court records indicate that plea negotiations are ongoing.