Five in Custody in Three Bank Robberies or Attempts

Michigan State Police from the Calumet Post have two local men in custody in connection to the October 4th attempted break-in at a bank ATM. It happened at the Miner’s State Bank on Tri-Mountain Avenue in South Range in the early morning hours. Keweenaw Bureau Reporter Rick Allen will have the details and will explain how it ties into another bank robbery incident.

18-year-old Paden Rothenberger was arraigned in 97th District Court in Houghton Monday. He was charged with attempted bank robbery and attempted armed robbery. Both are felonies that could carry up to 5 years in prison. Police say Rothenberger and a 15-year-old boy approached a Superior National Bank in Chassell Township on Saturday wearing masks and carrying what were described in court as toy guns. The suspects tried to enter the lobby but the doors were locked: only the drive through was open. The suspects returned later to try again to get into the bank. That’s when they were arrested. The 15-year-old male and a 16-year-old girl are in a juvenile facility in St. Ignace.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Marquette is evaluating the case against the suspect in custody in connection with the armed robbery of the Northern Michigan Bank in Harvey six days ago. A federal warrant has been issued against a 29-year-old U.P. man for the armed robbery of the Chocolay Branch October 12. The “armed bank robbery” arrest warrant was issued Monday, October 17, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Marquette. The man is in police custody in the state of Wyoming. Details have not yet been released as to the suspects’ name, hometown, capture or possible extradition.

Bank officials and employees across the U.P. say they are relieved that arrests have been made in these bank robbery incidents. They also say they are grateful to area law enforcement agencies for the way the investigations have been handled.

Details on these stories tonight on ABC 10 NEWS NOW with Cynthia Thompson at 5:30 , along with Senior Reporter Mike Hoey’s interview with the wife of State Senator Tom Casperson. In the ABC 10 continuing coverage of National Breast Cancer Month, hear from Diane Casperson about her battle with the disease and about her book, “New Breast Friends.”