Champaign man arraigned for bank robbery
URBANA — A Champaign man pleaded innocent on Monday to a felony charge in connection with a bank robbery last fall in Champaign.
Nickolas Staples, 44, who listed an address in the 2400 block of West Bradley Avenue, Champaign, pleaded innocent to aggravated robbery.
If convicted, Staples could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.
Staples was arrested Friday morning for the Oct. 8, 2010, armed robbery of the First Midwest Bank, 812 W. Springfield Ave., C.
Staples is being held at the Champaign County Jail on $25,000 bond.
According to a police report, a man went in the bank and handed the teller a note demanding money. The man implied that he had a gun, but witnesses never saw one. He left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash and was last seen walking north on Prospect Avenue.
Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Carlson said DNA found on clothing was used to link Staples to the robbery.
Carlson said Staples had prior convictions for forgery, for which he served time in prison.
Judge John Kennedy set Staples’ next court appearance for April 26.
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