A Benton Harbor man accused of robbing the Chemical Bank in Niles in February has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric exam.

Richard Smith

Magistrate Judge Hugh Brenneman ordered that Richard David Smith, 44, undergo the exam during a hearing Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids.

Smith pleaded not guilty in the same court March 5 to one count of felony bank robbery by force or violence. His trial is set for April 30, but that date could change based on the judge’s ordering of a psychiatric exam for Smith.

Smith is accused of stealing $1,800 from Chemical Bank Feb. 15. He allegedly presented the bank teller with a note demanding money and threatening to blow up the bank if police were called.

No bomb was found in the bank, and no one was injured.

Smith was arrested five days after the robbery on Feb. 20 at his brother’s residence in Benton Harbor.

He was moved to federal court last week from Berrien County South County Court. Federal prosecution is possible in bank robbery cases.

The maximum penalty for bank robbery in Michigan is life in prison.

Niles Daily Star