Suspect in BankRI Robbery Caught

is in police custody.

James W. Snoke, 45, of Foster, was ordered detained by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on a charge of bank robbery for the Nov. 18 incident during which he threatened bank employees with a device he claimed was a bomb.

According to an affidavit, Snoke allegedly approached a teller demanding he be given fifty $100 bills and no dye packs. He allegedly put a black duffel bag and a device that looked like a bomb on the counter. The device featured a large battery attached to a cell phone.  A second teller was summoned and put a quantity of cash in the black bag, according to the affadavit.

Cranston police distributed a still image of the robber taken from the bank's surveillance system, including to the Department of Corrections, where a correctional officer recognized the man as James Snoke, who previously was an inmate at the Adult Correctional Institution.

On Monday, members of the Cranston Police Department, Foster Police Department and Rhode Island State Police executed a state search warrant at Snoke’s Foster residence. According to the affidavit, several pieces of evidence were seized including a six volt battery.

On Tuesday, Snoke surrendered himself to members of the Rhode Island State Police, who subsequently turned Snoke over to the Cranston Police. According to the affidavit, while in the custody of Cranston Police, Snoke admitted robbing the bank.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch.

The FBI assisted in the investigation of this matter.

The Department of Justice press release incorrectly reported the robbery occurred at a Bank of America branch.