The Putnam brothers of Gilmer County have plead guilty to robbing the Bank of Gassaway at Burnsville.
Timothy Elvis Putnam and Matthew Gilbert Putnam entered the plea before Judge Facemire in Braxton County.
They plead guilty to bank robbery with a dangerous weapon and also entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy.
The Putnams face a sentence of not less than ten nor more than twenty-five years in the penitentiary for bank robbery, and not less than one nor more than five years in the penitentiary for conspiracy.
Matthew Putnam also entered a plea of guilty to contributing to the delinquency of a minor and faces a sentence of up to one year in jail on that offense. The case involves Putnam fleeing the area with an underage female.
They are scheduled for sentencing on November 14.
The Putnam brothers 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 the use of a State Police helicopter.
Clay spotted the men, which was followed by a search of a residence. "Inside we found the helmets, muddy coats and the entire $20,620 that was missing from the bank," he said.
Other stolen items were discovered, including the ATV which was used for the get-a-way.
Both brothers had a history of prior arrests.
SEE 2-26-05 story GILMER MEN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY - Two Men Hold-Up Burnsville Bank
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