Ezekiel Thomas, 38, of Anchorage was sentenced on Apr. 24 to seven years in prison after robbing two banks within a span of 24 hours last year.
The case highlights concerns about repeat offenders and public safety. Authorities said Thomas committed the robberies while out on bail for several pending state cases, including another bank robbery.
According to court documents, Thomas was released on bail on Sept. 16, 2025. On the afternoon of Sept. 18, he entered a bank in Anchorage and handed a demand note to an employee that implied harm if money was not provided. The employee gave him $590 before he left the scene.
The following day, law enforcement received information from Palmer Police Department about another bank robbery in Palmer. Officers detained the suspect and identified him as Thomas, linking him to both incidents. In this second robbery, Thomas gave an intimidating note to a bank employee who then handed over approximately $2,270 before his arrest by Palmer police.
“Mr. Thomas is a career criminal that chose to brazenly rob two banks while out on state bail over a span of 24-hours,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Thank you to Palmer Police Department for their swift response that resulted in Mr. Thomas’ arrest, and to the FBI for their diligent investigation that brought this reoffender to justice.”
Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office said: “Spanning multiple communities in Alaska, Mr. Thomas carried out these bank robberies while he was already on state probation for a prior bank robbery conviction. His crimes demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and for the safety of others…this sentence reflects our shared commitment to public safety and holding repeat offenders like Mr. Thomas accountable.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office investigated with help from Palmer Police Department and Anchorage Police Department; Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bradley prosecuted.
