Reno Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery

RENO – A Reno man pleaded guilty today to robbing a bank.

According to court documents, on May 7, 2026, Jack Van Eaton Jr. entered a bank and handed a teller a note that stated, “ROBBERY PUT 100’s AND FIFTY’s IN THE BAG AND YOU WONT GET HURT.” The teller, fearing for their safety, emptied out the teller drawer and handed the money to Van Eaton who fled on foot.

Photo of the Defendant taken from the bank’s security footage in U.S. v. Jack Van Eaton Jr., Case No: 3:26-cr-00004-ART-CLB

“Let this guilty plea serve as an unmistakable warning to anyone who thinks our financial institutions are easy targets: we will hunt you down, and we will lock you up,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The defendant chose to terrorize innocent employees just trying to do their jobs, all for a quick payout. We have zero tolerance for violent criminals who threaten the peace of Northern Nevada, and we will continue to use every ounce of our federal resources to strip them of their freedom.”

“Mr. Van Eaton's actions put a bank teller in fear for personal profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Office. “His guilty plea sends a clear message that threats and intimidation against innocent victims will not be tolerated. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to holding offenders accountable and protecting our communities. The outcome is certain: Justice will find you.”

Van Eaton Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. He faces the maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for February 1, 2027, before United States District Judge Anne R. Traum.

The FBI investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Clay Plummer is prosecuting the case.

###