BENTON — U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft announced Friday afternoon that a bank robbery charge has been filed against a Marion man for the armed robbery of a bank in Benton Thursday.

81-year-old Arthur W. Bays was taken into custody without incident Thursday afternoon at his home in the 1100 block of West Main in Marion.

Around 9:10 Thursday morning, Benton Police responded to the armed robbery at the bank where Bays – who was wearing glasses, a black and white ball cap, black jacket and blue jeans –  reportedly displayed a handgun in his waistband and demanded money from the bank teller. He took an undisclosed amount of money and left the scene in a silver Chevy Cruze. No injuries were reported.

Bays had an initial appearance in the U.S. District Court in Benton Friday. The Magistrate Judge released Bays on bond pending further proceedings in the matter.

If convicted, Bays faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250-thousand fine.