A Thief With Standards

[397 words] In 1992, Dennis Lee Curtis was arrested for armed robbery in Rapid City, South Dakota. In his wallet, police found a list of rules Curtis had written for himself—guidelines for his robberies. For example, he wrote: • “I will not kill anyone unless I have to.” • “I will take cash and food stamps—no checks.” • “I will not rob mini-marts.” • “If I get chased by cops on foot, I will get away. If chased by vehicle, I will not put the lives of innocent civilians on the line.” • “I will rob only seven months out of the year.” • “I will enjoy robbing from the rich to give to the poor.” This may seem odd, but Dennis Lee Curtis was a thief with some standards. But when he stood before the court, the judge did not consult Curtis’ list of rules. He pulled out the…