East Helena Man Gets 10 Years in Pants-less Robbery

Poor man just wanted to buy a pair of Levi's and some boots for winter.  He won't have to worry about those for a while.

13 months ago in October 2023, Samuel James Collins entered the Town Pump in Townsend, brandishing a handgun, and sans pants or shoes.  He fired one round then demanded the money in the till.  The two employees in the store complied, and Collins left the property in his pickup with about $330.

Now my take.  Maybe this genius thought that without pants, the staff would focus on his bare legs and not his face.  He didn't account for his distinct coat, his pickup...and surveillance cameras.

The funniest part of this photo is the partially-covered sign that says "You'll fit right in."

After the Broadwater Sheriff was notified of the crime and the word got around, Meagher County deputies discovered the truck and made the stop.  Well they found our Mr. Collins wearing the purple sweatshirt in the photo, with the cash and a 9mm.

The press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office didn't mention if pants or shoes were in the truck.  It does confirm that the bullet and shell casing found in the Town Pump were fired from the very handgun Collins possessed.

Collins has just been sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to possessing and discharging a firearm in a crime of violence.

No time given for the actual robbery?  Well, that's the nature of the right to legal defense and the plea deal.

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