This is the City, West Bend, Wisconsin. For 28 years I wore a badge to protect and serve this City. It was July 2005, I was working financial crimes in the detective bureau when we received a call of a robbery in progress at a local bank.
The story you are about to read is true, the names have been changed to protect the innocent.
Sam Strawlyer originally faced six armed robbery charges (four as party to a crime), one armed car jacking charge, battery of a peace officer and resisting an officer. All but two armed robbery with threat of force charges were dismissed as part of a plea arrangement. Sam pled guilty to those charges on Sept. 30. He faced a maximum of 80-years in prison for those offenses, although Circuit Court Joe Green had the option of reading the dismissed charges into his sentencing, meaning penalties could be stiffer.
His brother, Scott Strawlyer faced two armed robbery charges, both as party to a crime, and a total of 80 years, if convicted.
Sam Strawlyer’s fiance, Katie Stone, also faced two armed robbery charges, both as party to a crime, and one harboring or aiding a felon as a party to a crime.
Within the Criminal Justice System, whether you like it or not, there is almost always negotiations that take place resulting in a plea bargain and a reduced sentence.
For their efforts, Sam Strawlyer was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 15 years of extended supervision.
Scott Strawlyer was sentenced to 2 years in prison and 5 years of extended supervision.
Katie Stone was sentenced to 2 years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision.