Trial set for accused bank robber from Port Townsend

TACOMA — Michael J. Fenter, a Port Townsend boat builder and farmer accused of robbing a bank, will face trial beginning Feb. 2 in U.S. District Court in Tacoma.

Fenter, 40, is accused of robbing $73,000 from a Bank of America branch in Tacoma armed with a .40-caliber Glock handgun in October.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of armed bank robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Fenter remains in custody at the federal detention center in SeaTac without a posted bail.

The FBI is investigating Fenter, who had no criminal record at the time of his arrest, for bank robberies this year in Seattle, Sacramento, San Francisco and Tacoma.

He has not been charged with those robberies.

He is not being investigated for bank robberies on the North Olympic Peninsula, the FBI said.

The trial was originally scheduled to begin earlier this week.

Both the prosecution and defense requested the trial date be moved while the FBI continues to investigate.

Before he was taken into custody on Oct. 8, Fenter lived on the 40-acre Compass Rose Farms near Port Townsend with his wife, Kateen Fenter, and their three children and his in-laws.

The family raised wool, honey and produce sold at local farmers markets.

The farm is owned by Kateen Fenter and her mother.

A graduate of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Townsend, Michael Fenter, working in his field of marine carpentry, paid the bills and the mortgage on the land that the couple bought in 2007, his wife said.

More in News

Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse at Fort Worden State Park, conducts a tour for interested visitors on Thursday. The lighthouse was built in 1878 when Congress approved $8,000 for the light and foghorns. Although the facility is still an active U.S. Coast Guard station, the equipment is monitored and operated remotely and no keepers are present. Regular tours on Saturdays and Sundays will resume in May. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Lighthouse tour

Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse… Continue reading

EMT Teresa DeRousie, center, was recognized for her long service to Clallam County Fire District 2. Presenting the award were Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Denton, left, and Chief Jake Patterson. (Clallam County Fire District 2)
Clallam 2 Fire Rescue hosts awards banquet

Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue recognized career and volunteer members during… Continue reading

Construction set to begin on new marine life center in Port Angeles

Groundbreaking event scheduled for April 8 at Pebble Beach Park

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory rower propels his craft in the calm waters of the Salish Sea. Whidbey Island is in the distance. Today’s high temperature is forecast to be in the low 50s with partly cloudy skies. Rain is set to return this weekend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Rowing on the Strait

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory… Continue reading

Fire protection may impact insurance rates

New protection class considers nuanced data

The view looking south from Hurricane Ridge, where variable winter weather has limited snow coverage and contributed to pauses in snow sports operations in recent weeks. (Washington’s National Park Fund)
Lack of snow has impact at Hurricane Ridge

Water equivalent well below average for February

Port Angeles secures grant to aid in salmon recovery

State Department of Commerce to provide city with $109,000

Tickets still available for United Way of Clallam County fundraiser

Pajamas are encouraged, teddy bears are optional and comfort… Continue reading

Interviews set for hospital board

At least seven candidates up for commissioner seat

Port Angeles asks for fee to cover lodging tax contracts

Resolution sent to committee for administrative costs

Climate action group is guiding reduction goals

Reduced emmissions require reduced transportation footprint