FROM GAMBLING DEBTS TO BANK ROBBERIES
FBI reports on gamblers responsible for bank robberies, motivated by despair and debts
FBI reports on at least five people have robbed banks in Michigan in the past year to pay off their casino debts. Special Agent Terry Booth of the FBI Detroit office speaks of increase in the number of bank robberies as a result of gambling debts. He also stated that it might be higher since robberies motives aren't always determined.
The "criminals" don't always fit the typical criminal mind-set. It can be your neighbor, co-worker or even school teacher. Leslie C. Washington (27), elementary school teacher from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, ran up major losses while gambling at the casinos of Detroit. She declared bankruptcy, but it wasn't the end. On July 12, 2001 Washington bought a gun for $30 and masks similar to those from the movie "Scream". Along with her boyfriend and another man destined to a bank in Wayne County's Brownstone Township. They left with $11,151. After a 15-mile chase at speeds exceeding 110 mph they were caught by the police. The court sentenced Washington who pleaded guilty to 10 years and 4 months in prison. Currently FBI is investigating possibility of Washington's connection to two other bank robberies near Akron, Ohio.
Richard Kozlov (58), electrical engineer, also pleaded guilty. He has robbed 11 banks in 10 states, one of them is in his native Saginaw. According to federal authorities his crimes were motivated by gambling. He faces sentence up to life in prison at a hearing for August 12.
Rob Hunter is well familiar with stories such as Leslie Washington's and Richard Kozlov's. He ran a gambling addiction center in Las Vegas, and have seen many people who don't fit criminal profile. They turn to crime out of despair, losses history and inability to pay off existing debts. According to Hunter, they don't see their actions as a crime, more like a short-term loan. After all, the money has no use but being gambled on for the next day.
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