Man robs bank for $1 to get health care in prison
Tuesday - 6/21/2011, 8:48am ET
Richard James Verone says he hoped to receive medical care in prison for an undiagnosed growth and two ruptured disks. (Photo Courtesy of WCNC)
GASTON, N.C -- A North Carolina man suffering from an undiagnosed growth on his chest and two ruptured disks walked into an RBC bank and handed a note to a teller demanding $1. He then sat by the door and waited for police to arrive.
Richard James Verone says he needs medical attention and hoped that by getting arrested, he would have access to health care in prison.
"I'm sort of a logical person and that was my logic, what I came up with," Verone told WCNC. "If it is called manipulation, then out of necessity because I need medical care, then I guess I am manipulating the courts to get medical care."
Three years ago, Verone was laid off from Coca-Cola after 17 years on the job. He says he has had part-time work since then, but nothing with health insurance.
He is hoping for a three-year sentence, enough time to collect social security and obtain the medical help he requires, Verone says.
"If you don't have your health, you don't have anything," he says.
The 59-year-old was unarmed at the time of the incident.
He is being charged with larceny and is held on a $2,000 bond. He will appear in court June 28.
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(Copyright 2011 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
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