Bank robber to serve eight years

SPOKANE - A Chelan man was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for robbing three banks, including one in Moses Lake.

Cameron L. Gaunt, 28, pleaded guilty to robbing banks in Omak, Wenatchee and Moses Lake between July 12 and July 20, 2010.

US District Court Judge Edward F. Shea sentenced Gaunt to eight years in prison along with three years of court supervision when he is released. He will be required to pay restitution to the banks when he is released.

Gaunt's robberies started at a Bank of America branch in Omak, where he stole $2,021, according to the US Attorney's office. Investigators distributed a photograph of the robber, asking for the public's assistance.

Gaunt robbed a Washington Trust Bank branch in Wenatchee three days later, taking $8,288, according to court records. The teller identified the robber as the same one as in Omak.

Gaunt robbed the Washington Trust Bank branch in Moses Lake on July 20, taking $2,984, according court records.

An unidentified person called a tip line, telling police Gaunt was the robber on the same day as the Moses Lake robbery, according to the US Attorney's office. Gaunt was being supervised by the US Probation Office after being released from prison about a month earlier. He was previously convicted of firearm and counterfeiting charges.

The FBI and US Marshal Service and local law enforcement arrested Gaunt in an east Spokane motel on July 20.

"Cameron Gaunt has been held accountable for the crimes and fear he instilled in our community," said Michael C. Ormsby, US attorney for Washington's Eastern District. "The exemplary and cooperative efforts of our dedicated federal and state law enforcement partners are commendable."