"If you get to that point, robbing people isn't the answer. It never has; it never will be," said Judge Steven Martin, who also told the two robbers, "You're going to do the 20 years. But there is still a purpose for your lives. It's up to you to find it."
Christopher Avery, 22, and Andrew Butler, 20, entered the Valley Central Savings Bank on July 17 in Reading, Ohio. Jumping the teller's window, they wielded their weapons, an automatic handgun and a shotgun, aiming one of the weapons at the employees' faces. One even rested the tip of his gun on an employee's shoulder as she collected the money. They took off with $130,000. However, they were caught when they were found switching cars.
"There's a lot of different [financial aid] resources out there, especially if you have a genuine need. They are going to be able to get a grant. They are going to be able to get a loan," said prosecuting attorney Joe Deters.
"Failing to avail themselves of that, you don't need $130,000 to go to Toledo University," he continued. "I think they just wanted money."
Both Avery, who was a student at the University of Cincinnati, and Butler, who attended the University of Toledo, had no prior criminal records. They both lived normal, clean lives, according to family and friends.
Butler told the judge, "It was a lapse of judgment. It was completely out of character." The $7,000 to $9,000 a year was becoming too much for the two men, and that's when they decided to rob a bank.
Avery asked for mercy, saying, "We're two young men who made a mistake. I think we should get a second chance."
However, the judge dismissed them both. Their past actions will not excuse their current situation.
"It makes it all the more incredible you would turn to robbing people," said Martin.
