A person who robbed banks in Fraser and Frisco has been sentenced to jail time for his crimes, avoiding federal prosecution.

James W. Smith, 57, was sentenced to 5 years in jail for felony theft by Grand County Courtroom Decide Mary Hoak on Jan. 27 in a plea that saved Smith from federal costs and prosecution.

Smith may even serve three years of necessary parole and pay greater than $2,100 in courtroom prices and restitution. He obtained credit score for 239 days of time served.

Smith robbed the United Enterprise Financial institution in Fraser twice final 12 months, with the primary in January and the second in June, which led to his arrest. Smith didn’t use a weapon, however handed notes to financial institution employees asking for cash.

In courtroom on Jan. 27, Hoak famous how uncommon Smith’s case was, contemplating he was a substitute instructor with a Grasp’s diploma who had no felony historical past.

“I’ll say this Mr. Smith, you’re one of the crucial distinctive people who has come earlier than me,” Hoak stated. “Given your stage of schooling, how sensible you might be and the truth that you haven’t any felony historical past, to immediately have a financial institution theft is extraordinarily uncommon.”

Smith didn’t give any indication as to what triggered him to commit the robberies, however he apologized a number of occasions, particularly expressing regret for scaring the financial institution employees.

“I’m actually sorry about what occurred and I used to be flawed for what I did,” he stated. “It was unfair for me to take (the neighborhood’s) peace of thoughts.”

Kathryn Dowdell, the chief deputy legal professional for the 14th Judicial District, stated the investigation revealed Smith was in a number of debt and had deliberate the robberies forward of time. Dowdell stated she labored with the U.S. assistant district legal professional for Colorado on the plea deal.

Smith was additionally convicted of robbing the Credit score Union of the Rockies in Frisco in January 2021. Summit County Decide Karen Romeo sentenced him on Jan. 31 to 5 years in jail, concurrent to his Grand County sentence.

Summit County additionally required Smith to pay greater than $13,500 in courtroom prices and restitution. Smith will obtain credit score for 243 days time served.