Published: July 22, 2008 12:37 pm         

Accused robber escorted from courtroom

Virgil Smith granted request for evidence against him, speedy trial

Accused bank robber Virgil Justin Smith had to be removed from the courtroom after drawing laughter and talking from the gallery.

The 22-year-old North Manchester resident appeared in Judge Rick Maughmer’s Cass Superior Court II for an initial hearing Monday morning. While Smith reviewed the rights form, the judge asked the defendant if he grew up in Logansport, Smith responded in the negative and added, “I hate Logansport.”

Smith was arrested Friday for the June 30 armed robbery of Salin Bank and Trust in Galveston. Police apprehended him at his sister’s apartment in North Manchester.

Maughmer read Smith the possible penalty of six to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, if convicted of the class B felony. Smith said he intended to hire an attorney.

“They said I robbed a bank,” Smith said. “Apparently I got all the money I need.”

Laughter broke out, and audience members had to be told to quiet down.

Without an attorney present on his behalf, Smith filed oral motions for a speedy trial and for the state to produce its evidence. Maughmer granted both requests and said he would schedule a trial within 70 days.

“Thank you, Judge Maughmer. Thank you, prosecutor,” Smith said at the conclusion of the hearing.

As he walked back to his place among defendants also clad in orange jumpsuits, Smith reportedly began communicating with a group in the gallery. The judge asked for Smith to be removed from the courtroom. Just before he exited, he called out, “I love you. Send money. I’m broke.” He waved to those who had come to see him.

Smith remains in the Cass County Jail on a bond of $5,000 cash/$25,000 surety.

Kevin Lilly can be reached at (574) 732-5117, or via e-mail at kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com