James Todd Hulsey Indicted in Blue Springs Bank Robbery

James Todd Hulsey, 51, of Desloge, Mo., is facing federal charges after being indicted for the armed robbery of Adams Dairy Bank in Blue Springs. Hulsey allegedly walked into the bank on October 14, 2016, flashed a Diamondback Arms 9mm pistol, threatened to kill a teller, and walked out with $7,845 — all within minutes of stepping inside.

The federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., returned a three-count indictment charging Hulsey with bank robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The indictment replaces a criminal complaint filed October 17, 2016. Hulsey remains in federal custody with no bond.

According to an affidavit, Hulsey entered the bank at 651 N.E. Coronado Dr. around 12:15 p.m. He approached the teller, displayed the handgun, handed over a demand note, and made violent threats. The teller complied, handing over $7,845 in cash. Hulsey fled on foot, but not before witnesses recorded details of a vehicle believed to be connected to the robbery.

Just hours later, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper spotted Hulsey’s vehicle speeding eastbound on I-70 in Callaway County. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, Hulsey fled — initiating a high-speed chase that reached 120 to 130 miles per hour. The pursuit ended when Hulsey’s vehicle suffered a flat tire and veered off the road. He fled on foot, leading to a 75-yard foot chase before being tackled and arrested.

Hulsey is a five-time convicted felon, with prior felony convictions for bank robbery, illegal weapons possession, and receiving stolen property. Federal law bars anyone with a felony conviction from possessing firearms or ammunition — a law Hulsey allegedly violated by bringing a loaded 9mm into the bank and during his flight.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Orsinger. Federal investigators include the FBI, Blue Springs Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Callaway County Sheriff’s Department. U.S. Attorney Tammy Dickinson emphasized that the indictment contains accusations only, and Hulsey is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a trial before a federal jury.