Details: Michael Bickford, 38, formerly of Perkinsville, plead guilty 12/18/17, in the US District Court in Burlington to charges stemming from THREE armed robberies in 2016. Bickford plead guilty to the charges of “robbery and carrying and using a firearm” under a plea agreement. Even though federal law states the penalty for the robbery charge is a maximum of 20 years, and the charge of carrying and using a firearm in the commission of a crime carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, the plea agreement caps Bickford’s sentence at only eight years! The final sentencing is still under discussion. Only up to EIGHT YEARS for THREE armed robberies?
Robberies: 1.) On October 18, 2016, Bickford robbed the Windsor County South Credit Union located at 383 River St., in Springfield, Vermont. During this robbery, Bickford was armed with a handgun and stole approximately $3,000. 2.) On November 10, 2016, Bickford robbed the Mascoma Savings Bank located at 270 River St., in Springfield, Vermont. During this robbery, Bickford, armed with a handgun stole approximately $12,000. 3.) On, December 5, 2016 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Bickford entered the River Street Pharmacy at 100 River St., in Springfield, Vermont, armed with a pistol and wearing a mask. Bickford pointed the pistol at two employees and demanded prescription medications. |