35-year-old man sentenced to more than 12 years

Denver man Aaron Dugar, 35, was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for his role in an armed carjacking and bank robbery, according to a Monday news release from Colorado’s U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.

Dugar stole an SUV at gunpoint on Dec. 29, 2018, and demanded that two victims exit the vehicle and leave their personal property, the news release read.

Dugar fled and robbed a Bank of the West in Wheat Ridge soon after, the release said.

Dugar entered the bank, put his index finger to his lips indicating the teller must be quiet and raised a semi-automatic handgun in the air, the release said. Dugar demanded money and pointed the gun at the teller, ordering the teller hurry up and requesting “big bills only.”

The teller filled Dugar’s backpack with money, also including “bait money” and “a covert tracking device.” Dugar left the bank with more than $15,000 in cash, the release said.

The tracking device allowed Adams County Sheriff’s deputies to locate Dugar in Commerce City.

“Criminals just don’t seem to catch on that bank robbery is a crime that doesn’t pay, as the robbers almost always get caught,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Thanks to quick thinking bank tellers, Sheriff’s Deputies, FBI agents, local law enforcement, and prosecutors, this defendant walked out of that bank and straight into a long prison sentence.”

Dugar’s 147-month sentence, which was issued on Jan. 19, will be followed by three years of supervised release.