Suspect's girlfriend said he robbed bank to pay medical bills

GRANITE FALLS, N.C. — Police arrested Dewey Gentry Jr., 32, Wednesday after they said he robbed the First Citizens Bank in Granite Falls earlier this month.

Officers said they had received several tips from the community that he was involved in the robbery after pictures of it were made public.

His girlfriend, who asked to not be identified, told Channel 9 that Gentry has a tumor near his brain and can't pay his bills, and that's why he committed the crime.

"We didn't have no power, no water for a month," she said.

"You had to go to your neighbors?" reporter Dave Faherty asked.

"To get water to flush the toilets and water for the dogs," she said.

Police couldn't discuss Gentry's medical condition but did confirm he went to the bank without a gun and told the clerk to fill up a backpack with money. Officers have questions in the case.

"That the money was spent for bills," Capt. TJ Bates said.

"That he actually used it to pay off bills?" Faherty asked.

"That's what he is saying and we were unable to recover any money," Capt. TJ Bates said.

Channel 9 asked Gentry while he was being brought in to jail if he had a medical condition, but he would discuss the motive.

Neighbors said robbing the bank was wrong no matter the reason.

"That bank robbery is for the birds," resident Mary Sharpe said. "It's too far to go because people need their money too."

Police said he has been cooperating with investigators as they work to recover the stolen money.

Gentry is out of jail.

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