MOHAVE COUNTY — A judge has rejected probation in favor of prison for the man who robbed banks in Bullhead City and Kingman one week apart early this year. Judge Doug Camacho sentenced John Steiner, 38, Bullhead City, directly after he entered a plea agreement on April 23.
Steiner pleaded guilty to two robbery charges, one each for the January 3 incident at Mission Bank on East Palma Way in Bullhead City, and the January 10 incident at the Mohave Federal Credit Union on Stockton Hill Road in Kingman.
Defense attorney Gregory Pridham argued Steiner deserved probation as an Honorably discharged serviceman with no previous criminal history who suffers from mental health issues, anxiety and bi-polar disorders and suicidal ideations. Pridham noted that Steiner was unarmed on both occasions, intended no harm to anyone and used a simple demand note before fleeing with cash supplied by tellers.
“I apologize to my victims,” said Steiner, noting his regret. He expressed hope that the banks and their employees will forgive him and said he learned from the experience and is committed to self-betterment.
Deputy Mohave County attorney Rod Gilleo opposed probation and requested a prison sentence because of the trauma Steiner inflicted upon the banks and their employees.
“As they try to go to work everyday they have ongoing anxiety regarding if, and when it will happen again,” Gilleo said.
“Bank robbery is not a victimless crime,” agreed Susie Barboa, reading a statement on behalf of Mission Bank. “When Mr. Steiner robbed us that day, he took our security and safety.”
The Court heard similar input from Credit Union representative Ramona Baptista, who said the Kingman robbery tarnishes the trust arena and relations between bank personnel and their customers.
“Every employee is looking out the window wondering whether someone will come in and someone will be shot,” Baptista said.
Pridham pushed back, arguing most employees at both banks never knew anything was amiss until the robberies concluded. He expressed respect for the employees, but attempted to discount that they were traumatized.
“I have no doubt that the tellers themselves were very frightened by the situation,” Judge Camacho concluded. He also he believed other bank personnel were also negatively impacted.
“I just can’t justify the defendant being placed on probation,” the judge said. Camacho ordered a three-year prison term.
