Richard David Smith, Bank Robbery, Michigan 2014

Niles Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Bank Robbery

In a shocking turn of events, Richard David Smith, 46, of Niles, Michigan, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for Bank Robbery. The sentence was handed down on November 18, 2014, by U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker.

The crime took place on February 15, 2013, at a Chemical Bank located in Niles, Michigan. Smith entered the bank, placed a backpack in the foyer, and then displayed a demand note with a bullet taped to it. The note threatened to detonate a bomb if the teller contacted police within 30 minutes of the robbery.

Fortunately, the bomb threat turned out to be a hoax, and the bomb squad was able to clear the scene without incident. However, the DNA evidence from the backpack matched Smith's DNA, leading to his arrest on February 20, 2013.

Smith had previously completed parole for a 2007 state conviction for Bank Robbery and Armed Robbery, and his latest crime was committed just four months after his release. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Michigan State Police (MSP), and the Niles Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Lewis prosecuted the case, which resulted in a guilty verdict on August 7, 2014, after a three-day trial. In addition to the seven-year prison sentence, Judge Jonker ordered Smith to pay $1,817 in restitution and $1,000 in fines, as well as a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison.

Smith's actions have left the community shocked and outraged, and his sentence serves as a reminder of the harsh consequences of committing such a serious crime. As the investigation and prosecution of bank robberies continue, the people of Michigan can rest a little easier knowing that justice is being served.

The case is a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in preventing and solving crimes. The swift response of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case helped to bring Smith to justice and prevent further harm to the community.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2014_1119_RSmith.html