Springfield, Vermont Man Charged With Bank Robbery

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that Samuel Colby, 39, of Springfield, Vermont was arrested Friday evening for the January 8, 2022 robbery of the 802 Credit Union in Springfield, Vermont.  A criminal complaint was filed today in United States District Court, and Colby is expected to have his initial appearance this afternoon.  The United States has requested that Colby remain detained pending trial.

According to court records, Colby was the suspect in a string of five robberies that occurred in Springfield and Westminster between January 6, 2022 and January 14, 2022, including the robbery of the 802 Credit Union.  These robberies were reported by victims as involving a firearm or threat of a firearm.  A search of Colby’s vehicle on January 14, 2022 resulted in the seizure of a BB gun that looks similar to a semi-automatic pistol.  During a search of Colby’s residence on the same date, law enforcement found a scrap of paper that appears to match the paper used for a demand note presented by the suspect at the 802 Credit Union robbery.  

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint contains allegations only and that Colby remains presumed innocent until and unless he is convicted of a crime.  Colby faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment on the bank robbery charge.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Springfield, Vermont Police Department, the Vermont State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt.  Colby is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.