Elderly bank robber avoids jail time, sentenced to Veterans Court

An elderly man accused of robbing an Austintown bank learned his fate in court on Tuesday.
21 News first reported about Forrest Lytell in November of 2024, after he stole a few hundred dollars from PNC Bank on Mahoning Ave. in Austintown. 21 News spoke with Lytell Tuesday about how he avoided jail time and what he learned from this experience.
The 83-year-old pleaded guilty to robbing the PNC while in court on Tuesday.
"If I had to do it again, I wouldn't. That's the whole thing about it," Lytell said, who turns 84 this year.
Lytell has no criminal record and is a veteran, serving in the United States Navy and United States Army.
"I've never even gotten a parking ticket," he told 21 News Tuesday.
Recently diagnosed with dementia, he showed no weapons or signs of physical violence while robbing the bank. Lytell said he solely relies on Social Security as income and robbed the bank because "he just needed some extra help."
Lytell said he hit a breaking point after dealing with finances, stress, and a lack of support, as his wife of 47 years was under medical care for a year away from home, recovering from surgeries.
Back on November 20, he walked to PNC and handed a note to the bank teller demanding the cash they had on hand. Police arrested Lytell after the teller gave him bills with a tracking device on them. Judge D'Apolito sentenced Lytell to Veteran's Court, instead of jail time.
"If you don't accept the program, you'd have a chance of going to prison for 8-10 years. That's a long time," Lytell said. "With me being 84 this year, it would be up there."
"He wouldn't do well in jail," Lytell's wife said to 21 News.
Mr. Lytell must report to the Veterans Court once every two weeks for one year. If Lytell completes the court's requirements, his record will be cleared.
Veteran's Court works to help vets involved in the criminal justice system while helping ensure public safety. The program combines treatment and personal accountability to break the cycle of illegal behavior.
"I feel like I came out pretty good on this situation," he said. "The veterans are going to help. They're going to help a lot."
Follow this link to learn more about the services Veterans Court offers.