S. Lane Tucker, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office District of Alaska
An Anchorage man has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for robbing a bank while on supervised release from a previous federal bank robbery conviction. James Surrells, aged 54, was found guilty of entering a local credit union on July 13, 2024, and demanding money from a teller by claiming he had a gun. The teller handed over $450 before Surrells fled the scene.
Law enforcement arrested Surrells later that day with assistance from a crisis negotiator. This incident occurred less than one year after his release from prison for a similar offense committed in 2014. During the earlier robbery, Surrells also claimed to have a gun and took $1,210. He was convicted in 2015 and served nine years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Surrells began probation in July 2023 but absconded four months into his supervised release. His whereabouts remained unknown until his arrest for the latest robbery. On October 21, 2024, Surrells pleaded guilty to one count of credit union robbery and received a total sentence of 160 months: 144 months for the new offense and an additional consecutive 16-month sentence for violating his previous supervised release terms.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman commented on the case stating, “Mr. Surrells is a career criminal who chose to rob a bank while on supervised release for a previous bank robbery conviction and will now spend over a decade behind bars.” He emphasized the importance of holding repeat offenders accountable.
Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office noted Surrells’ repeated disregard for the law and public safety, stating that efforts would continue to ensure criminals are held responsible for their actions.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Anchorage Field Office with help from the Anchorage Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alana Weber along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Sherman.
