Northwest bank robberies suspect pleads not guilty in Nebraska

LEXINGTON, Neb.  — A man suspected of bank robberies in five states pleaded not guilty Monday to unrelated charges in Nebraska.

Richard Gathercole entered the pleas Monday in Dawson County District Court to two counts of possessing stolen firearms and one of theft or receiving stolen property, court records said. A trial starting date of Aug. 12 was set.

FBI officials in Los Angeles have said Gathercole, 39, is suspected of being the man they’ve dubbed the “AK-47 bandit,” who’s committed at least six bank robberies and attempted another in California, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska and Washington since 2012.

Gathercole, of Roundup, Mont., was indicted July 6 in Seattle, accused of using an AK-47 rifle to steal $15,000 in North Bend. San Bernardino County, Calif., officials have said they intend to charge him with attempted murder of a peace officer for the 2012 shooting of a Chino police officer during a bank robbery.

Court documents filed earlier this month said FBI agents seized bomb-making materials, seven guns and ammunition from Gathercole’s home. Agents also said they found sheriff’s badges and patches, a sheriff’s vest, an ammunition vest, a military-style helmet, an organic chemistry book and material to make identification badges.