Naikano Tuipulotu, Bank Robbery, California 2024

Naikano Tuipulotu, a 30-year-old Oakland resident, is behind bars following a series of brazen bank robberies in the East Bay.

According to a federal complaint, Tuipulotu robbed three banks and attempted to rob two others in Alameda County between October 23, 2023, and January 13, 2024. In each incident, he passed handwritten notes stating that he had a gun and demanded money from bank tellers.

The complainant alleges that Tuipulotu committed, and attempted to commit, a series of bank robberies, each in Alameda County. The charges brought against him include bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a).

Tuipulotu was arrested on February 14, 2024, and made his initial appearance in federal court in Oakland the following day. He remains in custody pending further proceedings in the case. His next scheduled appearance is set for 10:30 a.m. on February 21, 2024, for status regarding detention.

If convicted, Tuipulotu faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution if appropriate, for a single violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a).

The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the San Leandro, Fremont, and Hayward Police Departments, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonah Ross leading the prosecution.

A critical reminder: a criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.