A federal judge in Florida got a really unusual request from a convicted serial bank robber in his courtroom. The man’s “sentencing motion” was so reasonable, and argued so eloquently, the court had no problem granting it. “Please, could you consider giving me the max or the most time so that I can get back to my normal life in a controlled environment?” Sure, why not.
Judge grants request
This defendant had a surprising request the judge hadn’t ever heard before. Terry Meach is 42-years-old and absolutely terrified of freedom in modern America. He was recently convicted again for bank robbery, totally according to plan.
You see, he had unfortunately reached the end of his previous sentence and they kicked him out of his safe, comfortable cell. He had a sure-fire way of getting back inside but this time was a little more nerve-wracking for him than usual.
It had been eight years since the last time he was forced to breathe fresh air. He knew all he had to do was pull a quick job and he’d be home in a jiffy. A lot had changed in that span and it terrified him more than ever before. Please, judge, put me away for life, he begged.
Twenty years will have to do. That’s the max for bank robbery. He’s going to dread turning 62. He’ll have to come out of retirement and pull another job. He’s already afraid he’d get killed in the attempt, even though he does it peacefully.
Trying hard to score a life sentence, Meach robbed three Florida banks in a row, “two weeks after he was released from prison for another bank robbery.” He passionately argued for a really stiff sentence, citing numerous grounds.
“Extensive time behind bars,” he explained, “would not only curb his urges and normalize his life but improve the public’s safety.” The judge agreed.
Back to my normal life
The whole reason Meach robbed three banks in two weeks was to get back to his cell. Prison, he told the judge, “keeps me from my own self-destruction and keeps the outside community safer.” He’s just trying to save everyone some time.
“I know I’m going to mess up again. I always have the same results, 100% truth. I love the life I have in prison. I made a family and good jobs. Please, understand me. I know right from wrong, and I’m not crazy at all,” Meach insists. “I just know myself better than anyone else does.”
He fully confessed to everything. There’s no way a convicted bank robber can get a legitimate job. To keep from starving, he practiced his usual profession, hoping to get caught soon and sent back to prison where he belongs.
On February 23, he walked into a Truist Bank in Hollywood. He told the teller he had a gun, which he didn’t and demanded money. She gave him $2,419. He said thank you and walked out the door. The judge appreciated the honesty.
Four days later “Meach entered Fifth Third Bank in Fort Lauderdale and told the teller he had a bomb.” They laughed at that so he left empty handed. There was another Truist Bank right down the street so he paid them a visit.
This time he decided not to get creative and did what worked the first time. Meach said he had a gun and waited patiently for his $2,379 withdrawal to be prepared. He’s been doing the same thing each time he’s been released. He’s afraid he’s going to get shot someday, when all he wants is a ride back to the pen. The sympathetic judge granted his wish and threw the book at him. Good luck in 2044, he smiled.
