David D. Spenst, Bank Robbery, Kansas 2012

A brazen bank robbery in west Wichita left a trail of evidence that led investigators to a 46-year-old man, who has now been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for his role in the crime.

David D. Spenst, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery, which occurred on October 15, 2012, at the Intrust Bank branch located inside the Dillon's grocery store at 10222 W. 21st in Wichita.

According to court documents, Spenst entered the bank about 5:42 p.m. and asked to speak to someone about a loan. He then told an assistant manager that he had a gun and a bomb and offered to show the manager the gun. The manager, fearing for his safety, put money from the teller drawers into a manila envelope, which Spenst took with him when he left the bank.

Wichita police released video from bank surveillance cameras, which helped investigators identify Spenst as the suspect. He was arrested on October 17, 2012, while staying at the Drury Hotel in Wichita. During the arrest, police recovered cash from the robbery, a realistic-looking air pistol, a metal aerosol can covered in black tape to resemble a bomb, and a T-shirt bearing the words 'Cheese Steak' that Spenst wore during the robbery.

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.

Spenst's sentence of 46 months in federal prison is a result of his guilty plea to one count of bank robbery. He will serve his time in a federal correctional facility.

This case is a reminder that bank robbery is a serious crime with serious consequences. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring those responsible to justice.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/pr/wichita-man-sentenced-intrust-bank-branch-robbery