Reply #29: Unfortunately, the threat of force opened him up for a robbery charge

[Gormy Cuss]

and that would allow for charging under subsection (a) of the Section 1349 (bank robbery.) Subsection (b) would be applicable if he just stole it from the counter
He pretended to have a gun. At that point the amount stolen is less relevant than the intimidation.

Subsection (a) prohibits the taking or attempted taking by force, intimidation, or extortion, of any property, money or any other thing of value belonging to, or in the care, custody, control, management or possession of any bank, credit union, or savings and loan association, which are defined in § 2113(f), (g), and (h), respectively. Furthermore, anyone who enters or attempts to enter any building used in whole or in part as a bank, credit union, or savings and loan association with the intent to commit any felony affecting such financial institution or any larceny is subject to a fine, twenty years imprisonment or both.


Still, 15 years is a pretty ridiculous sentence given the whole context.