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PUTNAM BROTHERS HAD THEFT HISTORY - Burnsville Bank Robbed $20,000 |
| (02/27/2005) |
| The Putnam brothers of Gilmer County had a past history of theft arrests. Their desire for quick cash allegedly led them to the branch Bank of Gassaway in Burnsville Friday afternoon, located just off I-79. Matthew Putnam, 22, and his brother, Timothy, 20, reportedly entered the bank after arriving on a four-wheeler, wearing helmets and goggles to cover their face. Lt. Ron Clay of the Braxton County Sheriff's Department said two tellers were working, when one of the men brandished a large handgun and came across the counter. When the tellers complied, they were taken into a back room while the men placed about $20,000 dollars in a backpack. Fleeing back toward Gilmer County on their ATV, area authorities began a search, including a State Police helicopter. While searching on Dusk Camp Road near Stouts Mills in Gilmer County, Lt. Clay saw a familiar face - Matthew Putnam. Clay was burning clothes in a burn barrel. Putnam's brother Timothy was also at the residence. The officer detained the suspects and obtained a search warrant. Clay said "Inside we found the helmets, muddy coats and the entire $20,620 that was missing from the bank." Other stolen items were discovered, including the ATV which was used for the get-a-way. Both men have been charged with armed bank robbery and are lodged in the Central Regional Jail under $100,000 cash-only bonds. The FBI was contacted following the robbery, and Clay said the state charges will eventually be dropped in favor of federal charges. SEE 2-26-05 story and pictures GILMER MEN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY - Two Men Hold-Up Burnsville Bank, Two Other Banks Robbed |
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