Denver man sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for bank robbery

DENVER – A Denver man has been sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for several bank robberies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced Monday.

Samuel Richard Ruthstrom, 42, pleaded guilty to five bank robberies.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ruthstrom robbed four banks and attempted to rob a fifth in Denver. Using notes, he told the tellers that he would cause them bodily harm if they did not comply with his demands. He also used a stolen box truck to commit three of the crimes.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ruthstrom was on parole at the time and living in an inpatient facility.

“Repeat offenders pose a threat to our communities, and I strongly support sentences like this that keep these criminals off our streets,” Matt Kirsch, acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado, said in a statement.

Ruthstrom was sentenced to 160 months in prison.