Alleged Bank Robber Pleads Not Guilty

The man accused of robbing a bank in downtown Niles says he didn't do it. 44-year old Richard Smith of Benton Harbor pleaded not guilty in federal court on Tuesday to a single count of bank robbery by force. Smith's pretrial conference is still being scheduled. Smith is accused of robbing the Chemical Bank on East Main Street, he allegedly got away with $1,800 while threatening to blow up the building. Smith will remain in prison until his trial date, he could face up to 20-years if convicted.