Casper Bank Robber Sentenced

The man who robbed the Wells Fargo bank in Casper last July has been sentenced to prison in federal court.  At a sentencing hearing on Friday in Cheyenne, David Sands told the court he was “desperate” when he robbed the bank, because he feared his family was going to be homeless.

Sands told the court that at the time of the robbery he was suffering from depression and severe physical pain caused by injuries he sustained in a car crash.  U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson said while he had taken into the account the “tragedy” of Sands’ life, Johnson said Sands had to take responsibility for his decision to walk into the bank and deliver the threatening note to the teller.

Judge Johnson sentenced Sands to a maximum of 37 months in a federal prison, followed by three years of probation.  He was also ordered to repay Wells Fargo $967.00 and to undergo treatment for his mental health issues.

Sands was arrested in July of last year after police responded to a shoplifting report at Smiths grocery store in Great Falls, Montana.

According to Lt. Tito Rodriguez with the Great Falls Police Department, arresting officers were called to the scene for a shoplifting report. After seeing the FBI warrant for Sand’s arrest in connection to the Casper robbery, officers took him into custody.