'Serial bank robber' admits to a string of bank robberies in RI during 2021

Jack Perry, Providence Journal
Updated ·2 min read
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A "serial bank robber" admitted to robbing his eighth, ninth and 10th banks Wednesday in U.S. District Court, Providence, according to United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

Previously convicted of robbing seven banks dating back to 1997 in Utah, Vaughn Watrous, 47, on Wednesday admitted robbing three more banks and trying to rob a fourth during a three-day period in January 2021, Cunha said in a news release.

Watrous had been out of prison for less than a year when the police arrested him after a brief struggle on January 24, 2021, for his most recent robbery spree, Cranston Police Chief Col. Michael J. Winquist said at the time. Officers and detectives from Cranston, Providence and North Providence worked together to take the repeat offender "off the street," Winquist said.

The Cranston police released this photo of suspect caught on surveillance tape during a Jan. 21 bank robbery.
The Cranston police released this photo of suspect caught on surveillance tape during a Jan. 21 bank robbery.

More: Convicted bank robber charged in Cranston, Providence and North Providence robberies

Watrous has been in custody since his arrest due to his prior criminal history, history of violence or use of weapons, and lack of stable residence and employment, among other factors, court papers indicate.

On Wednesday, Watrous admitted to robbing three banks in Providence and Cranston on Jan. 19, 20, and 21, 2021; and attempting to rob a fourth bank in North Providence on Jan. 21, 2021, Cunha said.

If he were given consecutive sentences on each charge, Watrous could be sentenced to 80 years in prison and fined $1 million, but as part of a plea agreement, the prosecution and defense have agreed on a nine-year sentence recommendation, according to court papers.

The judge does not have to abide by that recommendation, and Watrous can withdraw his guilty pleas if the judge rejects the recommendation, court papers indicate. Sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2025.

Citing court records, Cunha provided the following summary of Watrous's previous convictions and sentences:

  • In 1997, Watrous was convicted in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City, Utah, on a charge of bank robbery and sentenced to 51 months in federal prison.

  • In 2003, in U.S. District Court in Providence on two counts of bank robbery and sentenced to 76 months of incarceration.

  • In October 2015 in U.S. District Court in Providence on four counts of bank robbery and sentenced in February 2016 to a term of incarceration of 92 months.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 'Serial bank robber' from RI admits to 8th, 9th and 10th robberies