Michigan City Man Charged in Trio of Bank Robberies

A Michigan City man has been charged with robbing three banks in the Northern District of Indiana, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Jason Jay Cheek, 41, is accused of committing three bank robberies, including one in Michigan City on June 5, 2018, another in Michigan City on July 31, 2018, and a third in Portage on July 31, 2018.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Cheek approached the tellers at each bank and demanded money, implying that he had a gun. The FBI GRIT Task Force and local police departments assisted in the investigation, which was led by the FBI.

“Bank robbers put the lives of bank employees and customers at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “I will continue to work with state and local law enforcement to ensure that bank robbers and other violent offenders in the Northern District of Indiana are brought to justice.”

Cheek was charged by Criminal Complaint with three counts of Bank Robbery. A Complaint is merely an allegation, and all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster will prosecute the case. If convicted, the specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The investigation and prosecution of this case are a reminder that law enforcement agencies in the Northern District of Indiana will continue to work together to combat violent crime and protect the community.