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Lawyer Charged With Attempted Bank Robbery

By William Vogeler, Esq. on January 12, 2018 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Richard Evan Kriger walked into a bank with a fake beard, dark glasses, and baseball cap. He walked out in handcuffs.

Kriger, a Washington state attorney, wanted to rob the bank. He demanded $50,000 and said his nephew was waiting outside with a gun to shoot anybody who tried to stop him.

Fortunately, police were waiting outside and arrested Kriger at the scene. That's what happens sometimes when lawyers think they can get away with anything.

"1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi"

It was the end to a sad story that started about three years ago, when Kriger was suspended from law practice. He was disciplined for mismanaging a trust account, and prosecutors said he owed $50,000 in the case.

At the bank, Kriger handed a note demanding the same amount. He also wanted keys to the manager's vehicle, and told employees to wait before calling police.

"Count to 500 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi etc. etc. etc. before you call police," the note said.

It was not the first time Kriger had criminal trouble. The last time was actually more serious.

Fatal Car Accident

In 1996, Kriger was involved in a fatal car crash. He ran down a pedestrian, 75, who on his daily walk.

According to reports, Kriger told police that he looked down at his wallet for a moment. A judge sentenced him to 20 days on a work program and 100 hours of community service.

In the meantime, Kriger has had other problems in his practice. Last year, he apparently wanted to get out of the business.

The HeraldNet reported that he posted a resume online looking for work as an insurance salesman.

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