Wednesday’s foiled bank robbery in downtown Bismarck has raised one big question: what was the suspect doing out of prison?

In the words of the U.S. Attorney's office, "it's complicated."

To recap, Rondal Heitsch is in custody, for allegedly walking into the Starion Bank downtown Wednesday and asking for money. He said he had a bomb.

Long story short, the police nabbed him as he was leaving the building.

Among other things, you should know that Rondal Hetsch is no stranger to local law enforcement, having run afoul of the law a number of times over the las quarter-century.

As KX News reports Mr. Heitsch got a five-year sentence in 2016 on another bank robbery rap.

In other words, his sentence was for over sixty months, yet he was back on the streets after just thirty.

So, why?

According to KX, "In 2004, he was sentenced to 15 years for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

"However, a Supreme Court decision, changed sentencing, affecting Heitsch's case, and he was released from prison in July of 2016."

The US Attorney’s Office says it also has to do with time already served prior to previous convictions. And as noted, he's had quite a few of those.

Still, it's not comforting to know a convicted felon can fall through the cracks so easily. Expect the legislature to address this next session.

[Source: KXMB-TV News]

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