Accused bank robber Virgil Justin Smith had to be removed from the courtroom after drawing laughter and talking from the gallery.
The 22-year-old North Manchester resident appeared in Judge Rick Maughmer’s Cass Superior Court II for an initial hearing Monday morning. While Smith reviewed the rights form, the judge asked the defendant if he grew up in Logansport, Smith responded in the negative and added, “I hate Logansport.”
Smith was arrested Friday for the June 30 armed robbery of Salin Bank and Trust in Galveston. Police apprehended him at his sister’s apartment in North Manchester.
Maughmer read Smith the possible penalty of six to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, if convicted of the class B felony. Smith said he intended to hire an attorney.
“They said I robbed a bank,” Smith said. “Apparently I got all the money I need.”
Laughter broke out, and audience members had to be told to quiet down.
Without an attorney present on his behalf, Smith filed oral motions for a speedy trial and for the state to produce its evidence. Maughmer granted both requests and said he would schedule a trial within 70 days.
“Thank you, Judge Maughmer. Thank you, prosecutor,” Smith said at the conclusion of the hearing.
As he walked back to his place among defendants also clad in orange jumpsuits, Smith reportedly began communicating with a group in the gallery. The judge asked for Smith to be removed from the courtroom. Just before he exited, he called out, “I love you. Send money. I’m broke.” He waved to those who had come to see him.
Smith remains in the Cass County Jail on a bond of $5,000 cash/$25,000 surety.
Kevin Lilly can be reached at (574) 732-5117, or via e-mail at kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com
Local News
Accused robber escorted from courtroom
<i>Virgil Smith granted request for evidence against him, speedy trial</i>
- Local News
-
-
No jail for driver in fatal hit-and-run
A 25-year-old Logansport man admitted Thursday to leaving the scene of a deadly wreck last year, but he will not serve any time in jail as the result of a plea agreement.
-
Board backs 51 percent spike in utility rates
For Paul Hartman, the issue facing the Logansport Stormwater Management Board is pretty simple.
-
13-foot statue celebrating arts to stand in Logan
Logan’s Landing danced a little closer Thursday to sprucing up the downtown area and crafting the arts and design district it’s been longing to create.
-
Stormwater board OKs rate increase
The Logansport Stormwater Management Board this morning approved a 51 percent increase in its monthly rates.
-
LHS senior prank
As a senior prank, Logansport High School students moved the cow from in front of Happy Burger West to the Berry Bowl this morning. It was all in good fun, though. Bob Shanks, the owner of Happy Burger, was even on hand to pose for pictures.
-
‘It’s not about you’: Local mom shares journey of adopting foster children
Foster parenting isn’t always easy, says Juanita Jackson. Between caseworker visits and baby-sitting restrictions, the 42-year-old balances work and caring for five children as a single mom.
-
Longtime Lewis Cass teacher fired over license
Notwithstanding the impassioned pleas on Scott Rouch’s behalf, the Southeastern school board unanimously voted to cancel his teaching contract for “neglect of duty and other just causes.”
-
Jeremy Franklin charged with two felonies
A special prosecutor this week filed three charges, including two felony counts, against the son of the Logansport mayor.
-
Logan multiplex still in the works
Plans for a multiplex in Logansport are still in the works, but at least one city official hoped the process would move a bit quicker.
-
Ambulances moving: Hospital says change will save $200,000
Rural/Metro, Cass County’s newest ambulance service, told Logansport Memorial Hospital that it plans to move out of the ambulance garage at the end of its lease in September.
- More Local News Headlines
-
No jail for driver in fatal hit-and-run
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
