BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — A man convicted of a 2000 robbery at a Safe One Credit Union in Bakersfield has been granted parole, the Kern County District Attorney announced Thursday. Michael Keith Williams, 55, was granted parole on September 3, 2025, after the Board of Parole Hearings determined he no longer poses an unreasonable risk to public safety.
On September 25, 2000, Williams, who was on parole at the time, and an accomplice entered the credit union. After passing a note to the teller demanding money, Williams jumped over the counter, pointed a gun at the teller, and threatened, “Open all your drawers or I’ll shoot you.” Williams and his accomplices fled with $10,724 in stolen cash.
The Bakersfield Police Department pursued the getaway vehicle, resulting in a high-speed chase that headed toward Lamont. Williams, driving the car, reached speeds of up to 110 miles per hour. During the pursuit, cash was thrown from the vehicle, and Williams showed disregard for the safety of the teller and children along the route…