Ex-Army Reservist James Morales Charged with Bank Robbery Attempts

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Former Army Reservist James W. Morales, 35, of Cambridge, is facing charges for two attempted bank robberies in Massachusetts following his dramatic escape from federal custody.

Morales, who was previously charged with the theft of military weapons, made headlines when he escaped from the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility on Dec. 31, 2016. Now, authorities allege that Morales targeted a Bank of America branch in Cambridge and then a Citizen’s Bank branch in Somerville, passing notes demanding large denominations and fleeing without any money.

The first attempt occurred at 9:21 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2017, when Morales handed a note to the teller demanding ‘all of the large denominations’ from the bottom till. The teller was able to flee to safety, but Morales left empty-handed. Video surveillance captured his attempted heist.

Hours later, at approximately 3:11 p.m., Morales allegedly entered Citizen’s Bank in Somerville with a similar demand. When the teller refused, Morales simply wished her a nice day and left. Once again, video footage from the bank’s security system documented the crime.

State Police responded to the report of the second attempted robbery and apprehended Morales after a foot chase. He now faces charges that carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each count.

Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb, along with several local law enforcement officials, announced the charges against Morales today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Grady and Kelly Lawrence are prosecuting the case.