Dedham Bank Bandit Gets Eight Years for Boston Heists

BOSTON – The city’s streets saw their share of grit as Joseph Wilcox, a 47-year-old Dedham man, was handed an eight-year sentence for orchestrating a bank heist spree in Brookline and Cambridge. In January 2014, Wilcox, donning face-concealing attire, struck three banks within a two-week span, absconding with over $8,000.

In his first crime of the series on Jan. 15, 2014, Wilcox entered the Blue Hills Bank in Brookline, presented a teller with a note demanding, “This is a hold-up,” and walked away with $1,318. His brazenness escalated one week later when he struck Eastern Bank in Cambridge. Disguised once more, he demanded cash with a note that read, “no dye packs” and pocketed $839.

Three days after his second heist, Wilcox returned to Brookline for his third crime at the TD Bank. His demands were simple yet chilling: “Give me the 100’s and large bills,” which netted him $6,260.

Wilcox was apprehended following a swift four-month investigation that led to his May 2014 arrest. He pleaded guilty in November 2014 to three counts of bank robbery. United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Brookline Police Chief Daniel C. O’Leary; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert C. Haas stood together at a press conference to announce the sentence.

The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos A. López, ensuring justice for the victims who had their hard-earned money snatched from them under duress. Wilcox’s 96-month prison term and three years of supervised release mark a significant victory for law enforcement in their relentless pursuit of financial criminals.

This sentence serves as a stark reminder to would-be bank robbers: in Boston, justice is swift and the penalties severe for those who prey on innocent citizens.