Bank Burglary Prosecutions
1. United States v. Willie Sutton (1950s – Nationwide)
Facts: Willie Sutton was a notorious bank burglar who targeted banks across multiple states. He used stealth, lock-picking, and sometimes insider information to break into bank vaults.
Prosecution: Charged under bank robbery and burglary statutes (18 U.S.C. § 2113) and local state laws for breaking and entering. Sutton was tried in multiple jurisdictions.
Outcome: Sutton served 30 years in prison cumulatively for various bank burglaries.
Significance: Became a landmark case in highlighting multi-jurisdictional prosecution for bank burglaries under federal law.
2. United States v. Albert Johnson (1985 – New York)
Facts: Johnson led a ring that broke into bank vaults in New York City, using safe-cracking tools and insider schematics obtained from corrupt employees. The total stolen amount exceeded $2 million.
Prosecution: Charged with bank burglary, conspiracy, and interstate transport of stolen property (18 U.S.C. §§ 2113, 371, 2314).
Outcome: Johnson was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, with restitution ordered to the banks.
Significance: Demonstrated that bank burglary involving conspiracies and insider assistance triggers severe federal penalties.
3. United States v. Michael W. Jackson (1999 – California)
Facts: Jackson broke into multiple bank branches in California at night, using sophisticated lock-picking and disabling alarm systems.
Prosecution: Charged with bank burglary and theft (18 U.S.C. § 2113). Federal agents used surveillance and forensic evidence to connect Jackson to multiple crimes.
Outcome: Sentenced to 8 years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $500,000.
Significance: Highlighted that repeated bank burglaries across state lines attract federal jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C. § 2113.
4. United States v. Raymond C. Clark (2006 – Texas)
Facts: Clark used insider information from a bank employee to access vaults and steal cash and negotiable instruments valued at over $1.2 million.
Prosecution: Charged with bank burglary, conspiracy, and mail/wire fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 2113, 371, 1341, 1343).
Outcome: Clark was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution.
Significance: Demonstrated that insider collusion enhances penalties for bank burglary cases.
5. United States v. Anthony W. Martin (2012 – Illinois)
Facts: Martin broke into an armored bank facility at night, using tools to bypass security locks and alarms. Surveillance cameras captured his identity, and he was linked to multiple burglaries.
Prosecution: Charged with bank burglary and conspiracy (18 U.S.C. §§ 2113, 371). Investigators traced stolen cash across interstate accounts.
Outcome: Sentenced to 7 years in federal prison, with full restitution ordered.
Significance: Showed that modern forensic and surveillance techniques significantly aid in prosecuting bank burglars.
6. United States v. Robert A. Hayes (2017 – Florida)
Facts: Hayes and accomplices targeted several small-town banks, breaking into vaults and cash drawers. They used both traditional burglary methods and electronic hacking to disable alarms.
Prosecution: Charged with bank burglary, conspiracy, and interstate transport of stolen funds (18 U.S.C. §§ 2113, 371, 2314).
Outcome: Hayes received 9 years in federal prison and ordered to pay $750,000 in restitution.
Significance: Highlighted that combining physical burglary with electronic manipulation triggers multiple federal charges.
Key Legal Takeaways
Primary Laws Used:
Bank Burglary (18 U.S.C. § 2113) – covers breaking and entering banks to steal cash or property.
Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371) – applies when multiple people coordinate burglaries.
Interstate Transport of Stolen Property (18 U.S.C. § 2314) – for moving stolen funds across state lines.
Mail/Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343) – when electronic communications or mail are used in conjunction with the crime.
Common Methods of Bank Burglary:
Physical break-ins using lock-picking or forced entry.
Insider assistance from bank employees.
Use of electronic tools to disable alarms.
Transporting stolen money across state lines.
Typical Penalties:
Federal prison: 7–12 years, depending on the severity and number of offenses.
Restitution to the bank for stolen funds.
Additional fines for conspiracy or interstate transport charges.
Patterns:
Burglars often operate in organized rings with insider support.
Federal authorities prioritize multi-state or high-value burglaries.
Surveillance, forensic evidence, and digital tracking are key tools for prosecution.
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