Suspected 'AK-47 Bandit': Federal Charges Filed In Nebraska

LINCOLN, NE — A man suspected of being the "AK-47 bandit" in a slew of bank robberies spanning five states has had federal charges filed against him in Nebraska.

Richard Gathercole is accused of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle and stolen firearms in a complaint filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Lincoln. His attorney didn't immediately return a call Friday from The Associated Press.

FBI officials believe Gathercole robbed banks in California, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska and Washington. Gathercole was arrested June 20 at a gas station near Lexington, Nebraska, court documents show. A sheriff's deputy spotted a pickup truck there that Kansas authorities had reported stolen by a man who fired at but missed a state trooper. (For more information on this and other Across Nebraska stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Gathercole pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of possessing stolen firearms and one count of theft or receiving stolen property, court records said.

Court documents filed earlier this month said FBI agents seized bomb-making materials, seven guns and ammunition from Gathercole's home. Agents also said they found sheriff's badges and patches, a sheriff's vest, an ammunition vest, a military-style helmet, an organic chemistry book and material to make identification badges.

Lexington is 200 miles from of Omaha.

Photo credit: FBI via AP