Hostage-Taking Bank Robber Pleads Guilty to Multiple Counts of Armed Bank Robbery

SAN FRANCISCO—Jason E. Dunlap pleaded guilty in federal court in San Francisco yesterday to one count of bank robbery, four counts of armed bank robbery that involved the taking of hostages by knife-point, and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced.

In pleading guilty, Dunlap admitted that this spring he robbed five San Francisco banks. In four of the robberies, he placed the life of a teller or customer in jeopardy when he put a hunting knife to their neck and demanded money from bank employees.

According to information in the plea agreement, on or about March 22, Dunlap robbed Citibank on Van Ness Avenue of more than $400. On or about March 24, Dunlap robbed East West Bank on Washington Street. At East West Bank, he put the blade of a large knife to the neck of a customer while demanding money from the teller who provided him more than $2,700. On or about April 2, Dunlap robbed the Wells Fargo Bank on Grant Avenue by wrapping his arm around a customer’s neck, holding a knife blade to the customer’s neck, and stating to a bank teller “Give me the hundreds! Hurry! Hurry!” In response to his demands, the teller gave Dunlap more than $2,700. On or about April 5, Dunlap robbed City National Bank on California Street. During that robbery, he put his arm around the neck of an elderly woman, placed the blade of a knife to the customer’s neck, and told a teller “I need the money! Give me hundreds! I know you guys have hundreds!” In response to Dunlap’s demand, the teller gave him more than $1,700. On or about April 28, Dunlap robbed Borel Private Trust and Bank on California Street by jumping over the teller counter, taking a teller hostage and holding the large knife to her throat while yelling “Give me money! Give me money!” “Give me money or else.” Dunlap left with $1,100.

Prosecutors also charged Dunlap with transportation of a stolen motor vehicle between New York and California, which Dunlap admitted was the getaway car he used during his robbery spree.

Dunlap, 32, of New York City, was indicted by a federal grand jury in May on one count of bank robbery in violation of 18 United States Code Section 2113 (a), four counts of armed bank robbery in violation of 18 United States Code Section 2113 (a) and (d), and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle in violation of 18 United States Code Section 2312. Under the plea agreement, Dunlap pled guilty to all counts and agreed to what is known as treatment as a career offender, a law that is reserved for repeat criminals and allows for enhanced penalties.

Dunlap faces up to 20 years in prison for the count of bank robbery, up to 25 years in prison for each count of armed bank robbery, and up to 10 years in prison for transporting a stolen motor vehicle, as well as a fine of $250,000 for each count. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. 3553.

Dunlap will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Oct. 5, 2010, before Judge Alsup in San Francisco.

Kathryn R. Haun is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of legal assistant Rosario Calderon. The prosecution is the result of a months-long investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Squad.