Repeat Bank Robber Sentenced to 99 Months

COEUR D’ALENE - Ricky Allen Fisher, 35, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was sentenced today to 99 months in federal prison for bank robberies he committed in Ontario, Oregon and Cottonwood, Idaho, announced U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson. U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge increased Fisher’s sentence from 87 to 99 months because Fisher committed the bank robberies within days of being released from prison. Judge Lodge also ordered Fisher to pay restitution to each of the three banks he robbed. Fisher pleaded guilty to the charges on December 8, 2014.

In his plea agreement, Fisher admitted to being released from federal prison on May 6, 2014. Fisher left the prison and took a bus to Idaho. He arrived on May 9, 2014, and was taken to Ontario, Oregon, where he robbed a Chase Bank of $1,600. Five days later he entered U.S. Bank in Ontario, Oregon, demanded cash and left with $1,334.00. On May 16, 2014, Fisher robbed the U.S. Bank in Cottonwood, Idaho and took $2,324.00. Fisher was driven to each bank by Jennifer Balfe, 19, who previously pled guilty and was sentenced to 27 months in prison.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Lewiston City Police, Idaho State Police, Ontario City Police, Cottonwood City Police and Idaho County Sheriff’s Office.