Washington man charged in robbery of $200 from downtown Salem bank

A 75-year-old man accused of a bank robbery in downtown Salem last week asked to stay in jail custody after his arrest, police said.

Richard K. Gorton, of Washington, was arrested by Salem police Friday, Sept. 5, after Willamette Valley Bank staff reported a man passed an employee a note demanding $200, a statement from the Salem Police Department said.

He is facing one charge of third-degree robbery, a felony, according to Marion County Circuit Court records.

A little before 1:45 p.m. Friday, bank staff called the police to report the robbery. Willamette Valley Bank is located at 101 High St. N.E.

Employees gave the robber the money and the man left the building.

A Salem police officer nearby heard the 911 call and saw the man standing outside of the bank, according to police.

When officers approached the man, identified as Gorton, he lay down on the sidewalk to be arrested, the statement said.

Court records made no mention of Gorton possessing a weapon.

“He was very polite but said if he was released he would be forced to commit another robbery,” a police affidavit said.

Gorton has previous convictions for second-degree robbery and first-degree theft in two Washington counties, according to court records.

For one of his prior convictions, Gorton told authorities he would rather stay in jail custody than be homeless, the affidavit said.

Washington court records show Gorton was recently released from prison for a 2018 theft conviction in Cowltiz County.

Gorton also pleaded guilty to robbery in Whatcom County in 2014, according to Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk staff.

Salem police said if he is released, “Gorton will commit another robbery.”

Gorton is scheduled to appear in court next on Sept. 17.

Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].

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