Introduction to the Case
A 54-year-old ex-con pleaded guilty Thursday, Oct. 2 to carrying out a takeover-style bank robbery in Anaheim — one day after he got out of state prison.
Eric Walter Gray, who has a lengthy criminal history, entered the plea in Los Angeles federal court to counts of bank robbery and forced accompaniment.
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 15.
The Bank Robbery Incident
Police responded about 4:40 p.m. May 8, 2024, to a report of a bank robbery in progress at a BMO branch at 5401 E. La Palma Ave., between Imperial Highway and Lakeview Avenue, FBI Special Agent Trevor Twitchell wrote in an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed in the case.
Gray, an Orange County resident, loitered in the bank “for a long time,” and then told an employee he was waiting for a ride, Twitchell said.
After he returned from a bathroom, Gray leaped over a teller counter, announced he had a gun and stole more than $2,000 in cash from two teller drawers, the FBI agent stated.
Gray stuffed the cash in his pockets and forced the bank manager and two other employees into a storage room, preventing the victims from leaving by blocking and barricading the door, according to Twitchell.
After awhile he let the two employees go, keeping the bank manager confined for about an hour, the agent said.
Gray eventually surrendered to police.
Arrest and Investigation
“While in custody at the Anaheim Police Department, Gray was found to have hidden cash and narcotics within his rectal cavity,” Twitchell said.
Police suspected he had more hidden in him, so they took him to a hospital for a CT scan, where he “repeatedly attempted to escape and fought with officers, resulting in multiple injuries to the officers involved,” the agent wrote in the affidavit.
Court papers show Gray has a criminal history that includes grand theft auto, robbery, sexual battery and narcotics-related offenses.
Background of the Ex-Con
He had been released from San Quentin state prison on May 7, 2024 — a day before the Anaheim heist, Twitchell said.
In the previous case, Gray was sentenced to two years in prison while on parole in 2023 for failure to register as a sex offender and two years for second-degree robbery, to be served concurrently, court papers show. He received more than a year’s credit for time served while awaiting sentencing.
Conclusion
The case of Eric Walter Gray serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the community in dealing with repeat offenders. Despite his history of criminal behavior, Gray was able to commit a brazen crime just a day after his release from prison. His guilty plea and upcoming sentencing are steps towards justice, but the incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and support for law enforcement efforts to prevent and investigate crimes.
FAQs
Q: What was the nature of the crime committed by Eric Walter Gray?
A: Eric Walter Gray committed a takeover-style bank robbery in Anaheim, stealing over $2,000 in cash and holding bank employees against their will.
Q: What is Gray’s criminal history?
A: Gray has a lengthy criminal history that includes grand theft auto, robbery, sexual battery, and narcotics-related offenses.
Q: When is Gray’s sentencing scheduled?
A: Gray’s sentencing is scheduled for January 15.
Q: How long after his release from prison did Gray commit the crime?
A: Gray committed the crime just one day after his release from San Quentin state prison.
Originally Published: October 2, 2025 at 5:33 PM PDT
