Drunk bank robber awaits his sentence
LORAIN, Ohio (AP) — A man who robbed a bank while drunk is hoping to avoid a prison sentence.
James Mielcarek has pleaded guilty to robbery and theft charges stemming from a heist in February. Mielcarek was so drunk inside the bank that clerks could barely understand what he was trying to say.
Mielcarek, 45, will be sentenced in two months. Lorain County Common Pleas Judge James Miraldi told him he could avoid prison if he behaves. The maximum sentence is five years.
Miraldi is waiting for a court-ordered background investigation on Mielcarek before determining his sentence.
County Prosecutor Dennis Will says some form of incarceration is needed because of the severity of the crime and the chaos it caused.