WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 21 years in prison for using a firearm to rob three banks during which he pointed the gun at employees, according to the United State's Attorney.
According to court documents, Zane Tilcock, 21, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of brandishing and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence and to two counts of bank robbery.
On December 27, 2024, Tilcock, entered Sunflower Bank in Junction City carrying a silver handgun. He pointed the firearm at customers and ordered them to stand to the side of the lobby. He then pointed the gun at tellers and demanded they empty their cash drawers. The money Tilcock took included bait bills.
On December 11, 2024, Tilcock entered Intrust Bank on South Webb Road in Wichita wearing a black mask and carrying a semi-automatic handgun. He pointed the firearm at bank employees and demanded money. They handed him money, and he left. •
On December 16, 2024, Tilcock entered Emprise Bank on East Harry Street in Wichita with a handgun and pointed it at the tellers. He told them to put their hands in the air and give him all the money. Tilcock asked for large bills and no dye packs or bait money. The tellers removed cash from their drawers and handed it to Tilcock.
Law enforcement determined through investigation that the vehicle used in the crimes to be a gray Volkswagen Jetta belonging to Tilcock’s girlfriend Emily Wise.
On December 28, 2024, investigators conducting surveillance observed Tilcock shopping and using a large amount of cash. Days later, investigators followed Tilcock to the Sedgwick County Tag Office where Tilcock paid for a tag in cash. Investigators obtained the money he spent at the Tag Office and identified three of the bills as bait bills taken during the Sunflower Bank robbery. Tilcock was arrested and admitted to the bank robberies. Investigators found additional evidence while executing search warrants on the Jetta and the apartment where Tilcock lived.
“This case sounds like something out of the 1930s with these repeated and unhinged, dangerous bank robberies. Mr. Tilcock robbed banks to get fast cash until he was stopped by law enforcement. Nonetheless, during his crime spree, he inflicted terror by pointing a gun at innocent people who unlike himself were simply trying to make an honest living.” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Wichita Police Department, Junction City Police Department, and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.