Man robs bank so he can get free health care in prison

When James Verone was charged with a felony for robbing $1 from a bank, his careful planning finally paid off. The North Carolina resident had sold his furniture, paid his last months rent, gave notice and then wrote the local newspaper about his plans, listing his return address as the Gaston County Jail. A long-time Coca Cola salesman, Verone became a convenience store clerk as a last resort. The physically demanding job impaired him physically and after losing it, he lived on savings until the was completely broke.

. The Gastonia man’s back ached; problems with his left foot caused him to limp. His knuckles swelled from arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome made daily tasks difficult.

Then he noticed a protrusion on his chest.

Strapped for cash, Verone looked into filing for disability. He applied for early Social Security.

The only thing Verone qualified for was food stamps. The extra money helped, but he felt desperate. He needed to get medical attention, and he refused to be a burden on his sister and brothers.

Verone didn’t want to scare anyone. He executed the robbery the most passive way he knew how.

He handed the teller a note demanding one dollar, and medical attention.

“I didn’t have any fears,” said Verone. “I told the teller that I would sit over here and wait for police.”

The man has high hopes with his recent incarceration.

He has seen several nurses and has an appointment with a doctor Friday.

The ideal scenario would include back and foot surgery and a diagnosis and treatment of the protrusion on his chest, he said. He would serve a few years in prison and get out in time to collect Social Security and move to the beach.

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