Two men from Wasilla, Alaska, were sentenced for their roles in a brazen bank robbery that took place on April 23, 2014, at a Key Bank branch in the same city.
The robbery, which was described as unarmed, was carried out by Jason L. Wood, age 35, who entered the bank and demanded money from a teller. Lawrence L. Niesen, age 39, acted as the getaway driver following the robbery.
According to court documents, both men had significant heroin addiction problems that appeared to be the impetus for the robbery. Chief United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline noted that drug addiction in the Anchorage and Mat-Su Valley areas is a growing concern, referring to it as a ‘scourge’.
Wood, who pleaded guilty to planning and committing the robbery, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison. Niesen, who also pleaded guilty, received 32 months in federal prison for his role in the crime.
Both men were also ordered to make restitution to Key Bank in the amount of $1,604.00. Ms. Loeffler commends the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wasilla Police Department for their investigation into the case.
The sentences imposed on Wood and Niesen serve as a reminder of the harsh consequences of committing crimes in the pursuit of financial gain. Heroin addiction, in particular, continues to plague communities in Alaska, and law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to combat this issue.
As the investigation into this case demonstrates, law enforcement agencies are committed to holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served.
Contact: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska
Related Federal Cases
- Robert Marley Chapas, Bank Robbery, Alaska 2022 · Alaska
- James Donald Surrells, Bank Robbery with a Gun, Alaska 2014 · Alaska
- Unknown Caucasian Adult Male, Bank Robbery, Anchorage AK, 2024 · Hawaii
- James Valentine Siehien, Armed Bank Robbery, Arizona 2021 · Alaska
- James David Trujillo Jr., Bank Robbery, Colorado 2022 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Alaska
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
