Stathas, 33, pleaded guilty in April to robbing a Fifth Third Bank in Kettering Dec. 23 and a Key Bank near Centerville on Dec. 29. He was apprehended after crashing his car in Moraine.
He had also been indicted for an attempted bank robbery, which was dismissed by U.S. District Court Judge Walter Rice when he accepted the Stathas’ plea deal.
A tearful Stathas apologized to his family, friends and bank tellers he hurt during his robberies.
“There’s no excuse for my actions,” he said.
Stathas then spoke at length of his drug abuse problems and attempts to get help, which he claims drive his life of crime.
“It’s hard reaching out, but when you do and don’t get help…you lose all hope,”Stathas said while tearing up again.
Rice acknowledged the difficulties Stathas faced but said they were not excuses for the crimes he committed, calling him a “danger to the community.”
“I don’t think he’s a bad individual, but if they’re (drug abuse issues) not dealt with, he will remain a danger to the community,” Rice said before doling out his punishment.
RELATED: Michael Stathas charged in federal court
During the Fifth Third Bank robbery, an anonymous caller called in bomb threats at the Kettering Rec Center and Dorothy Lane Kroger in an effort to distract police.
“Do not mess around,” the caller said. “You better get to them.”
Stathas attempted to rob the same bank the following week, but did not get any money.
A few days after the second robbery attempt, Stathas robbed the Key Bank at 20 W. Whipp Rd. Witnesses said Stathas’ car was backed into an area that was not an actual parking spot near the bank’s door and that his car door was open.
A bank employee said the suspect pushed her down. A sheriff’s office report indicated $1,134 was stolen, but that an employee was able to push her panic button while the suspect was taking money.
Stathas will receive credit for his time already served since December 30 and was also sentenced to three years probation after his release from prison, along with mandatory entry to a drug treatment facility, community service and restitution paid to Key Bank and Fifth Third Bank.