Vermont Man Charged with Bank Robbery

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, stated that Kevin Palmer, 51, made his initial appearance in federal court in Burlington on Tuesday, November 1, 2011, after being charged in a criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery. United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy ordered Palmer, who was arrested in St. Johnsbury on the morning of November 1, 2011, temporarily detained until the next hearing, which is scheduled for November 3, 2011 in Burlington.

According to the criminal complaint, Palmer robbed the Community National Bank in St. Johnsbury on December 17, 2009 by presenting the bank teller with a note claiming that he had a gun. Palmer stole approximately $4,700 from the bank.

If convicted, Palmer faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, in the event of a conviction, will be determined in accordance with the federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney emphasized that the charges contained in the criminal complaint are accusations only and the defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The United States Attorney commended the St. Johnsbury Police Department and the FBI for their work on this investigation. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Timothy C. Doherty, Jr. The defendant is represented by attorneys Matthew B. Byrne and Robert B. Hemley from the Burlington law firm, Gravel and Shea.