Air Force master sergeant pleads guilty to bank robbery

David Kihara

Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005 | 9:32 a.m.

A Nellis Air Force Base master sergeant who was four months away from receiving his military pension pleaded guilty to eight counts of robbery in U.S. District Court, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Kevin Jay Johnson, 41, is facing a sentence of up to 20 years for robbing eight banks in the Las Vegas Valley from June 17, 2004, through Oct. 8, 2004.

Johnson, who remains in custody pending sentencing, reportedly told authorities that he robbed the banks to get money for his compulsive gambling problem.

The robberies netted a little more than $10,000, authorities said.

According to the plea agreement, Johnson admitted to presenting bank employees at the eight banks he robbed with notes indicating that he was armed.

Authorities arrested Johnson on Oct. 8, 2004, after he robbed a Nevada State Bank at 1921 N. Rainbow Blvd. of $805. Law enforcement officers located Johnson through a tracking device that was placed among the stolen currency.

Johnson led authorities on a short chase before he was apprehended. The authorities found several pellet guns in his car at the time of his arrest, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

When police arrested Johnson, he allegedly considered committing suicide by pulling a pullet gun on police officers to try to force the officers to shoot him.

Johnson is technically still on active duty at Nellis, but Air Force officials are currently in the process of kicking him out, said Master Sgt. Chuck Ramey, a Nellis spokesman.

Ramey said Johnson's case is in the process of being sent to the secretary of the Air Force, who will make the ultimate decision on whether or not Johnson will be discharged.

The Air Force secretary makes the final decisions regarding the discharge of individuals who have more than 16 years but less than 20 years service in the Air Force, Ramey said.

Johnson has served 19 years and eight months in the service. At 20 years of service, airmen are eligible to receive a military pension, Ramey said.