A 44-year-old Anchorage man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for robbing a local bank with a firearm, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Prosecutors say James Donald Surrells robbed an East Anchorage branch of First National Bank Alaska on Aug. 13. They had recommended a sentence of 10 years in prison after Surrells pleaded guilty to the robbery in September.
The FBI said Surrells wore a wig beneath a "Portland" baseball cap and was carrying a gun when he demanded money from a teller by handing her a note.
"When the teller leaned forward to see the note more clearly, Surrells showed her the butt of his handgun, which caused her to fear that he would kill or physically harm her" if she didn't comply, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Courter.
Surrells fled the bank with $1,210, which the court has ordered he pay back in full.
An Alaska state trooper caught up with Surrells three days after the robbery. Trooper Chris Green spotted a silver van partially blocking Hollywood Road in Wasilla, according to court records.
It turned out the van had been reported stolen in Anchorage. Green arrested Surrells, who initially gave a fake name, the records say.
In the minivan, troopers reported finding heroin stashed inside a soda can. The government's sentencing memorandum says Surrells tried alcohol and cocaine at age 13; by 32 he was a heroin addict.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline noted Surrells' extensive rap sheet during sentencing. Prosecutors cite the judge stating that Surrells "disrespects the law whenever he is given the chance."