| The Putnam brothers of Gilmer County had a past history of theft arrests.
Their desire for quick cash allegedly led them to the branch Bank of Gassaway in Burnsville Friday afternoon, located just off I-79.
Matthew Putnam, 22, and his brother, Timothy, 20, reportedly entered the bank after arriving on a four-wheeler, wearing helmets and goggles to cover their face.
Lt. Ron Clay of the Braxton County Sheriff's Department said two tellers were working, when one of the men brandished a large handgun and came across the counter.
When the tellers complied, they were taken into a back room while the men placed about $20,000 dollars in a backpack.
Fleeing back toward Gilmer County on their ATV, area authorities began a search, including a State Police helicopter.
While searching on Dusk Camp Road near Stouts Mills in Gilmer County, Lt. Clay saw a familiar face - Matthew Putnam. Clay was burning clothes in a burn barrel.
Putnam's brother Timothy was also at the residence. The officer detained the suspects and obtained a search warrant.
Clay said "Inside we found the helmets, muddy coats and the entire $20,620 that was missing from the bank." Other stolen items were discovered, including the ATV which was used for the get-a-way.
Both men have been charged with armed bank robbery and are lodged in the Central Regional Jail under $100,000 cash-only bonds.
The FBI was contacted following the robbery, and Clay said the state charges will eventually be dropped in favor of federal charges.
SEE 2-26-05 story and pictures
GILMER MEN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY - Two Men Hold-Up Burnsville Bank, Two Other Banks Robbed
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