FBI South Sound Gang Task Force Arrests Subjects Wanted for Takeover-Style Bank Robberies

The FBI South Sound Gang Task Force (SSGTF) today arrested five subjects believed to be responsible for takeover-style bank robberies in Washington. The subjects entered banks in groups, covered head-to-toe in loose clothing and gloves, and demanded money while jumping over teller counters.

The SSGTF arrested Anthony V. Mosley, 46, of Tacoma, Washington; and four residents of Los Angeles, California: Kevin L. Brown, 38; Curtis W. Smith, 22; Douglas L. Smith, 22; and Jeanine M. Daniel, 32. Per the arrest warrant, investigators are still pursuing two additional subjects from Los Angeles, California: Charles A. Williams, 39, and Janalisa Estrada, 33.

According to the federal criminal complaint, the seven individuals conspired to commit the crime of bank robbery and committed at least three bank robberies in Washington state: on September 6, 2012, a U.S. Bank Branch in Lakewood, Washington; on October 22, 2012, a Wells Fargo Bank branch in Seattle, Washington; and on December 20, 2012, a Wells Fargo Bank branch in Kirkland, Washington.

The SSGTF continues to investigate the possible connection between these subjects and additional bank robberies conducted with similar methods—a September 13, 2012 robbery of a Washington Federal Bank in Federal Way, Washington; at least 10 bank robberies in Michigan committed between August 2011 and August 2012; and at least one bank robbery in Ohio in 2012.

FBI agents initially arrested the five subjects on December 22, 2012, on state bank robbery charges. The SSGTF arrested the subjects as they prepared to board a 2:55 p.m. Greyhound bus to Los Angeles, California. Investigators were waiting at the bus station, based on information that the group frequently traveled to Los Angeles by Greyhound bus within days of a bank robbery.

The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendants will make their initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 1:30 p.m. today.

The case is being investigated by the FBI South Sound Gang Task Force, in partnership with the Lakewood Police Department’s Gang Unit and the FBI Seattle Safe Streets Task Force. FBI entities nationwide collaborated in the investigation, including the Ann Arbor, Toledo, and Los Angeles offices.