June 20, 2013

Crime History: Prolific bank robber dies

BY: SCOTT MCCABE NOVEMBER 1, 2012 | 8:00 PM
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On this day, Nov. 2, in 1980, Willie Sutton, the "Babe Ruth of bank robbers," died at age 79.

Sutton is best known for saying he robbed banks "because that's where the money is." He later dismissed the story, claiming that the reporter ginned up the quote.

Sutton said he robbed banks because he loved it. "I was more alive when I was inside a bank, robbing it, than at any other time in my life."

During bank heists, Sutton donned disguises, playing a maintenance man, police officer or postman. Sutton was released from prison in 1969.

Sutton appeared in a commercial for a bank credit card with a photo ID saying, "Now when I say I'm Willie Sutton, people believe me."

- Scott McCabe

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Scott McCabe

Staff Writer - Crime
The Washington Examiner

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