Samuel Richard Ruthstrom, also known as the “Penguin Bandit,” was sentenced to over 13 years in federal prison for robbing multiple banks in Denver, Colorado. He made a plea agreement with prosecutors after robbing four banks and attempting to rob a fifth earlier this year. Ruthstrom was sentenced to serve 160 months concurrently for five counts of bank robbery, along with three years of supervised release and restitution. Authorities, including U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch, supported the sentence, stating that repeat offenders are a threat to communities. Ruthstrom wore a ski mask during the robberies, demanding money from tellers. Despite fleeing with money in some instances, he left empty-handed in others after being unable to obtain the desired amount. He was identified as the “Penguin Bandit” due to his appearance and distinctive walk. Investigators linked Ruthstrom to the robberies through surveillance video, phone records, and sightings of his Jeep Grand Cherokee near one of the banks. A tip naming him led to his arrest, and it was discovered that he was on parole for a previous burglary conviction at the time of the robberies. Ruthstrom’s case highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in apprehending repeat offenders like him.
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‘Penguin Bandit’ Who Robbed Several Colorado Banks Receives 13-Year Prison Sentence
