Las Vegas couple admits to keeping stolen cash

Tuesday, Aug. 3, 1999 | 9:43 a.m.

Riley Bates, 24, and his 21-year-old girlfriend, Naomi Stachowsky, each pleaded guilty Monday to possession of $52,000 in stolen money.

The pair denies they participated in the robbery or its planning. A federal grand jury has charged two other men, including Bates' older brother, with armed bank robbery in connection with the case. Robert Bates, 26, and Timothy Blackburn, 25, also face charges of carjacking and unlawful use of a firearm.

An armed guard was shot in the chest during the December 1998 heist.

The couple admitted helping Robert Bates count a large amount of money on Dec. 30. They also admitted keeping some of the money for themselves and some of it for Robert Bates.

Both defendants admitted they kept the money even after learning it had been stolen.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 12. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend leniency if the couple provides "substantial assistance" in the case against the other defendants.

Both defendants have agreed to cooperate.