WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – A Kansas man was sentenced to 21 years in prison for using a gun to rob three banks in 2024, during which he pointed the gun at employees.
Zane Tilcock, 21, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of brandishing and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence and to two counts of bank robbery.
- On December 11, 2024, Tilcock entered Intrust Bank on South Webb Road in Wichita wearing a black mask and carrying a semi-automatic handgun. He pointed the firearm at bank employees and demanded money. They handed him money, and he left.
- On Dec. 16 Tilcock entered Emprise Bank on East Harry Street in Wichita with a handgun and pointed it at the tellers. He told them to put their hands in the air and give him all the money. Tilcock asked for large bills and no dye packs or bait money. The tellers removed cash from their drawers and handed it to Tilcock.
- On Dec. 27 Tilcock entered Sunflower Bank in Junction City carrying a silver handgun. He pointed the firearm at customers and ordered them to stand to the side of the lobby. He then pointed the gun at tellers and demanded they empty their cash drawers. The money Tilcock took included bait bills. Law enforcement determined that the vehicle used in the crimes was a gray Volkswagen Jetta belonging to Tilcock’s girlfriend.
- On Dec. 28, investigators conducting surveillance observed Tilcock shopping and using a large amount of cash. Days later, investigators followed Tilcock to the Sedgwick County Tag Office where Tilcock paid for a tag in cash.
Investigators obtained the money he spent at the Tag Office and identified three of the bills as bait bills taken during the Sunflower Bank robbery.
Tilcock was arrested and admitted to the bank robberies. Investigators found additional evidence while executing search warrants on the Jetta and the apartment where Tilcock lived…