Ernest A. Wilcox, Bank Robbery, Missouri 2024

Bank Robbery and Attempted Bank Robbery Strike Kansas City and Independence, Missouri.

Ernest A. Wilcox, a 66-year-old Independence, Mo. man, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for attempted bank robbery and bank robbery. The indictment, unsealed on Nov. 21, 2025, alleges that Wilcox attempted to rob a bank in Kansas City, Mo. on May 8, 2024, and robbed a bank in Independence, Mo. on June 11, 2024, with a follow-up attempted robbery on July 3, 2024, at the same bank.

The indictment alleges that Wilcox, an Independence, Mo. resident, is responsible for the following crimes:

• Attempted bank robbery at a Kansas City, Mo. bank on May 8, 2024.

• Bank robbery at an Independence, Mo. bank on June 11, 2024.

• Attempted bank robbery at the same Independence, Mo. bank on July 3, 2024.

The charges against Wilcox are mere accusations and not evidence of guilt. A federal trial jury will determine his guilt or innocence after reviewing the evidence presented.

Under federal law, each count of bank robbery or attempted bank robbery carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment in a federal prison without parole. The sentencing of Wilcox will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Jennings. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Independence, Missouri Police Department, and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

Ernest A. Wilcox, Defendant

66, of Independence, Mo.

Arrested: Following the unsealing of the indictment on Nov. 21, 2025

Criminal Charges:

• Attempted bank robbery at a Kansas City, Mo. bank on May 8, 2024.

• Bank robbery at an Independence, Mo. bank on June 11, 2024.

• Attempted bank robbery at the same Independence, Mo. bank on July 3, 2024.

Sentence: Maximum 20 years imprisonment in a federal prison without parole

Location: Kansas City, Mo. and Independence, Mo.

Date: May 8, 2024, June 11, 2024, and July 3, 2024

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/independence-man-indicted-bank-robbery-attempted-bank-robberies