'Bonnie' gets year in prison

A member of Utah County's "Bonnie and Clyde" bank robbery duo is going from infamous to famous thanks to the "Dr. Phil" television show.

Kylee Rich, 20, was sentenced in federal court Tuesday to just over one year in federal prison for her part in a series of bank robberies planned by her, her husband Joshua Rich and another man.

Police say the couple and the second man robbed a Lindon bank three times at gunpoint and then used the stolen cash to fund a Las Vegas honeymoon, other trips and the couple's heroin addiction. Police believe the two men pointed loaded guns at bank tellers and threatened their lives during the robberies. They also believe Kylee Rich drove one of the getaway vehicles.

The robberies gained the couple the title "Bonnie and Clyde" by Utah County law enforcement.

During her sentencing hearing, Kylee Rich's attorney argued that she was an immature, impressionable person who was talked into the robberies by her husband.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos Esqueda said Kylee Rich's involvement was more than minor, pointing to evidence that showed she participated in planning the robberies with her husband and had prior knowledge that a gun was going to be used.

Joshua Rich has a long criminal history and was on parole at the time of the robberies.

Kylee Rich's parents spoke in court, describing their daughter as a troubled young woman who tends to do what people tell her to do. "She has the brain of a 14-year-old," said mother Cindy Cutler. Father Brett Cutler said Joshua Rich took advantage of his daughter's vulnerability, pointing out that two years ago his daughter had been drugged, raped and dumped 40 miles from her home. Shortly after that her grandfather, whom she was close to, died.

Rich's attorney also provided a counseling evaluation from a Texas expert who was paid by the "Dr. Phil" show.

The family said they turned to "Dr. Phil" to help them help their daughter and pay for counseling that they would not be able to afford.

Cindy Cutler said appearing on the nationally syndicated show was not about the publicity or making money but to help their daughter.

The show, which has already been taped, was on hold until the sentencing hearing. It is expected to be broadcast sometime this fall.

Joshua Rich and co-defendant Roland Thompson face sentencing hearings next month. Rich faces 32 years in prison, and Thompson faces a maximum of 15 years.

U.S. District Judge Dee Benson noted that Kylee Rich faced a maximum of four years in prison but found she had taken responsibility for her actions and has sought treatment for her problems. Benson called her actions "harmful to society" and found that she knew about the robberies and that her husband planned to use a gun.

Benson said given her impressionable nature he was concerned that keeping her in prison too long would turn her more toward criminal behavior.

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