A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran was given a 10-year suspended sentence Thursday after pleading guilty to second-degree robbery in connection with a violent confrontation with a repo man earlier this year.
51 year-old Richard Piltz, was arrested following a May 10, 2024 incident in Pennington County. Prosecutors said Piltz fired several rounds from a pistol before pressing the weapon to the victim’s head, grabbing him by the throat, and threatening to shoot. He later retrieved a loaded rifle.
Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Thomas described the case as “an extreme and unjustifiable danger to human life” and urged the court to impose the maximum prison term. Piltz was initially charged with multiple felonies but entered a plea to second-degree robbery in July.
Defense attorney John Murphy argued the crime was aberrant behavior, citing Piltz’s remorse, military service, and rehabilitation efforts. Supporters submitted more than 200 pages of letters and commendations, including recognition of Piltz’s 21-year Air Force career, where he rose to senior master sergeant and earned the prestigious Lew Allen Jr. Trophy for leadership during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Circuit Court Judge Heidi Linngren acknowledged the seriousness of the crime but ruled prison unnecessary, noting Piltz’s clean record while out on bond and his commitment to counseling and education. “There is somebody who suffers daily from these events as well,” Linngren said, emphasizing the impact on the victim.
Piltz expressed regret during sentencing, telling the court, “I truly regret what I did that night, and it’ll never happen again.”
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