Career Bank Robber Charged in Chicago: Recent Incidents at Howard St and Irving Park Rd Jewel-Osco

Jeffrey Sulaski, previously convicted for multiple bank robberies across four states, faces new charges in Chicago while on supervised release

Jeffrey Sulaski caught on security footage from a bank branch in a Jewel-Osco he tried unsuccessfully to robPhoto byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

CHICAGO - A Chicago man with a history of bank robbery convictions spanning multiple states has been charged with robbing one bank and attempting to rob another, both located within Jewel-Osco grocery stores on the city’s North Side. Federal prosecutors announced that Jeffrey Sulaski, 64, was arrested following these incidents, marking another chapter in his long history of criminal activity.

Sulaski, who has been convicted of robbing at least 17 banks since 2000, spent approximately two decades behind bars for his offenses. His criminal record includes bank robberies in Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Despite serving substantial federal prison sentences, Sulaski continued his illicit activities while on supervised release.

According to court records, Sulaski's most recent criminal actions occurred on August 2 and 3, 2023. On the evening of August 2, Sulaski reportedly attempted to rob a Huntington Bank branch at 6430 W. Irving Park Road. The next day, around 11:45 a.m., he successfully robbed an Associated Bank branch at 1763 W. Howard Street. Both banks are situated within Jewel-Osco stores. In both instances, Sulaski was captured on security footage wearing a blue bucket hat, a detail noted by the FBI during their investigation.

Sulaski's criminal history reveals a pattern of repeat offenses. After serving approximately eight years in federal prison for a series of bank robberies in Ohio, Sulaski absconded from supervised release in 2011. He relocated to Chicago, where he continued his criminal activities, targeting three TCF Bank branches, all located within Jewel-Osco stores.

One of these branches was robbed twice. In addition to these robberies, Sulaski attempted to extort $65,000 from a Chase Bank in Lincoln Park by threatening the bank manager and other employees. This series of crimes culminated in a 12-and-a-half-year federal prison sentence in 2011, handed down by U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman.

Despite his incarceration, Sulaski's criminal behavior persisted. In September 2023, a warrant was issued for his arrest after he violated the terms of his supervised release. The subsequent robberies in early August demonstrate that Sulaski's pattern of behavior has not changed, even after spending years in prison.

Sulaski's defense attorney in his previous case, Steven Saltzman, attributed his client’s criminal activities to a severe gambling addiction. According to Saltzman, Sulaski was once a model citizen, having served in both active duty and reserve military roles. However, his gambling addiction, which reportedly runs in his family, led to a cycle of desperation and criminal acts, including bank robberies and extortion.

As Sulaski faces new charges, he is set to be arraigned on Thursday before U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly in Chicago. This case will add to his extensive criminal record and could result in additional years behind bars.