Burlington, Vermont Man Charged with Bank Robbery

Burlington, Vermont - The United States Attorney's Office stated that James Plunkett, 39, of Burlington, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with bank robbery.

On November 4, 2024, Plunkett appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered Plunkett detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, on the morning of October 26, 2024, Plunkett is alleged to have robbed the M&T Bank on Pine Street in Burlington. Plunkett is alleged to have entered the bank, told the bank tellers that he had a bomb in his fanny pack, and ordered them to give him money. Plunkett did not conceal his face during the robbery. Plunkett received $683.00 in cash and left the area.

Plunkett was identified from the M&T bank robbery video footage after review by law enforcement and community members who knew Plunkett and provided tips to law enforcement.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Plunkett is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Plunkett faces up to 20 years if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department, the Winooski Police Department, the South Burlington Police Department, the Vermont State Police's Northern Vermont Drug Task Force, the Colchester Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Milton Police Department.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti. Plunkett is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.