A federal jury in Anchorage has found Joseph Sledge guilty of robbing a credit union in August 2024. The incident occurred on August 12, when Sledge entered the credit union wearing a distinctive outfit that included a baseball cap, a grey COVID-19 facemask with a local Native corporation's logo, and a plastic Pirate Bay necklace.
Sledge approached a teller after entering the building and handed over a note demanding $50,000. The teller discreetly alerted co-workers to the robbery by sending out a "Code Red" message. Sledge left the scene with $2,500.
The investigation quickly identified Sledge through his mask's logo. An employee from the Native corporation recognized him from an earlier visit to their office where he had picked up one of their branded masks. Law enforcement arrested Sledge on August 16 along the Seward Highway, finding him in the same attire worn during the robbery.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker stated, “There’s no such thing as free money in the United States of America,” emphasizing that intimidation tactics will lead to legal consequences. Special Agent Rebecca Day added that this conviction underscores the FBI's commitment to pursuing those who commit crimes against community members.
The case was investigated by both the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Miller and Alana Weber leading the prosecution.
