Lang
5/13/23
A Coralville man who threatened downtown Iowa City bank employees with a knife has been fined.
65-year-old Mark Miller of 9th Street reached a plea deal with prosecutors earlier this month, pleading guilty to all four charges against him. On Wednesday, Judge Jason Burns approved a total of $565 in fines.
Staff at U.S. Bank on East Washington Street told Iowa City Police Miller had been trespassed from the business on multiple previous occasions. According to arrest records, Miller entered the bank last December and harassed an employee while asking for money. The staffer told Miller to leave, but he refused.
Police say when the employee tried calling the police, Miller slapped the phone out of their hand. Miller then reportedly pulled out a pocket knife, opened the blade and held it up high. U.S. Bank employees were eventually able to coax Miller out of the business.
Miller allegedly resisted being taken into custody. He was charged with Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon, 3rd Degree Harassment, Obstruction of Emergency Communications and Interference With Official Acts. The maximum penalty for all charges would have been a total of 27 months in jail.