Tippecanoe County serial bank robber sentenced

The serial bank robber who robbed multiple banks across Tippecanoe county will face 40 years in the DOC.

County will serve 40 years in prison.

News 18's anna darling was at the courthouse this morning as joseph kruger's verdict was handed down.

She brings us the details of his sentencing, anna?

Kruger is claiming his gambling addiction is what lead him to rob several area banks throughout the fall of 2019.

He was on parole from federal prison in illinois when he came to tippecanoe county and committed crimes.

The state asked for a 46 year sentence.

Kruger accepted a plea deal in february.

He told the court he was thankful no one was hurt as a result of his actions.

And he hoped those who he had encountered during the robberies can forgive him.

He said he tried calling 1-800 numbers to get help for his gambling addiction, but said they didn't help.

He was arrested at a hotel near the indiana grand racing and casino on shelbyville for his robbery crimes.

The defense asked for 30 years.

Judge steven meyer said what kruger did was horrible and dangerous to this community.

And he did not feel kruger would be a good candidate for probation.

Kruger has been in and out of the criminal justice system since he was a juvenile.

Judge meyer said previous attempts at rehabilitation clearly haven't work.

Kruger will serve his 40 year sentence consecutively.

He currently has an outstanding warrant in clark county indiana.

Kruger told the judge today that he wants to appeal his sentence.

Live from the courthouse anna darling, news 18.

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