A man who robbed a bank in Castle Rock last September and had previously been deported from the U.S. was sentenced to 22 years in prison Friday.

Octavio Alan Rivas Morales, 36, entered the Independent Bank at 501 N. Wilcox St. on Sept. 10, 2025, pulled a gun out and fired it into the floor before leaving with about $2,000 in cash, according to a Friday news release from the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

One of the tellers at the bank recognized the robber, and he was arrested the following day in Johnstown, according to the release.

“No one should fear for their life while cashing a check or working behind a counter,” said 23rd Judicial District Deputy District Attorney Joe Ratner. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that the fear and trauma suffered by these victims mattered, and they were heard.”

A native of Mexico, Rivas Morales has previously been deported and convicted of re-entry, according to the release. He pleaded guilty to the robbery.

Judge Victoria Klingensmith imposed the 22-year maximum prison sentence, citing an extreme danger posed to the community.

“This powerful sentence from Judge Klingensmith makes it clear that violent criminals who we aggressively prosecute will be held fully accountable by our courts,” said 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler. “America didn’t want him here to begin with. Now he has two decades to think about his bad choices and realize that Douglas County is inhospitable to those who choose violence.”