Charges dropped in brazen bank heist

GREENVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - Federal charges were dropped against a young man who allegedly put a handgun to the back of a bank teller's head during a Greenville bank robbery nearly a year ago.

On Nov. 9, 2011, Reuben Olson III allegedly walked into the Huntington Bank at 203 S. Lafayette St. around 10:30 a.m., put a handgun to the back of a teller's head and demanded money. When her drawer wouldn't open quickly, he went to a second teller, got some money, then went back to the first teller and got some more.

He then ran away.

Olson was arraigned for the bank robbery in February 2012.

Investigators received a tip on his involvement and questioned him. He denied robbing the bank but agreed to a polygraph test. He failed the test, the FBI said, and later admitted to the robbery.

However, Olson then recanted the admission.

Last week in a court hearing, the defense asked to have certain evidence -- including his admission -- excluded from the case. Before Judge Robert Holmes Bell could rule on that, federal prosecutors asked to drop the case.

However, they left open the possibility of re-filing against Olson within the statute of limitations.

The US Marshals Office confirmed late Wednesday afternoon Olson has been released from custody.