KC Reporter

A Promise City, Iowa man has pleaded guilty in federal court to the armed robbery of a Princeton, Missouri bank.

Phillip Michael Blink, 67, admitted guilt before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

By pleading guilty, Blink acknowledged that he robbed First Interstate Bank in Princeton on May 19, 2023. Wearing a cowboy hat, red bandana over his face, gloves, and a trench coat, Blink entered the bank at approximately 9:25 a.m. He approached a teller and stated in a low voice: “I’m sorry, but this is going to be a bad morning.” He then placed a light blue bag on the countertop and demanded: “I want all the money.” As the teller began placing bills into the bag, Blink pulled out a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun from his right pocket and said: “I told you it was going to be a bad morning,” setting the firearm on the countertop and pointing it at the teller.

After taking $4,115, Blink exited the bank and drove away in a Ford F-150 truck heading northbound on Highway 65. The bank manager photographed Blink and his truck during his escape while employees called 911 for assistance.

Later that day, Blink was stopped by Knoxville police officers who arrested him after he confessed to the robbery. A search of his truck revealed the Ruger handgun, clothing linked to the robbery, and the stolen money.

Under federal statutes, Blink faces up to 25 years in federal prison without parole for armed bank robbery plus an additional mandatory minimum sentence of five years for possessing a firearm during the crime. The maximum statutory sentence is determined by Congress for informational purposes; actual sentencing will be based on advisory guidelines and other statutory factors following completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and investigated by the FBI.

___