Courtesy: Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
A professor at Gustavus Adolphus College was arrested earlier this month after he was reportedly caught trying to steal attachments and ammo for an AR-15.
Aaron Lee Banks, 52, is facing charges of possessing theft tools and felony theft for allegedly stealing multiple attachments and ammunition for assault rifles over the course of a month.
According to court documents, Banks was seen by staff at a Scheels in Eden Prairie, cutting a display box containing an AR trigger and then pocketing the attachment on March 14.
Banks then reportedly pocketed an AR charging handle and a box of rifle ammunition. He then left the store without paying for any of the items.
He was later apprehended by authorities, who said they located all three items, which were estimated to be worth $544.93. All three items, court documents state, were found in Banks’ possession.
Staff also claim Banks had previously stolen items on multiple days from Feb. 25 until his arrest.
In addition to the three items he is accused of stealing on March 12, Scheels’ staff accused Banks of stealing an estimated $754.91 worth of products, which included more ammunition, another AR-15 attachment and a pair of gloves.
None of those items has been recovered.
In total, Banks is accused of stealing $1,299.84 worth of items.
Banks is a professor at Gustavus Adolphus College, which said he is on leave:
“Gustavus Adolphus College is aware of the charges against Aaron Banks. Banks is on leave as the law enforcement investigation continues. The college has made arrangements to cover his teaching and advising responsibilities. As this is an active legal case, Gustavus will have no further comment at this time.”
