Fisher sentenced again for Bentonville bank robbery

Kenneth Wayne Fisher
Kenneth Wayne Fisher

FAYETTEVILLE -- A federal judge Friday shaved six months off the sentence of a man who robbed a Bentonville bank.

Kenneth Wayne Fisher Jr., 40, robbed the First Security Bank in August 2015. A runaway girl was traveling with Fisher at the time. After pleading guilty, Fisher was given a two-level enhancement at sentencing for involving the minor in the robbery.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in July the girl didn't help in the Arkansas robbery, although she may have helped Fisher plan bank robberies in other states. Because the girl wasn't involved in Arkansas, Fisher's sentence was calculated incorrectly, justices said.

U.S. District Judge Tim Brooks re-sentenced Fisher to 12 years in federal prison for the robbery, six months less than his initial sentence. Fisher's fine was reduced from $10,000 to $2,900.

Because of his extensive criminal history, including drugs and theft, Fisher was still sentenced in the highest criminal category.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris urged Brooks to give Fisher the maximum time possible because he robbed at least three other banks and had a sexual relationship with the minor female even though he was never charged.

"Essentially what he was doing was a nationwide crime spree with a minor in tow," Harris said

Brooks agreed.

"The last 20 years of your life have been one great big crime spree," the judge said.

He also robbed banks in Kansas, Wyoming and New Mexico. Fisher was eventually caught in California with the girl he had picked up in Colorado.

She told police she helped Fisher plan some of the robberies in other states, but not the Arkansas robbery.

Fisher went into the First Security Bank at 2501 E. Central Ave. on Aug. 28, 2015, and handed the teller a note that said, "Give me the money. This is not a joke. I am very serious."

The teller gave Fisher $961, according to court documents. Fisher left on foot with the loot. Police later identified Fisher through DNA and security footage.

The Fountain Valley, Calif., Police Department arrested Fisher and the girl on Nov. 16, 2015, after a 10-mile pursuit.

NW News on 09/16/2017

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