A Detroit man has admitted to a series of bold heists targeting banks and credit unions, according to federal prosecutors. Dorian Trevor Sykes, aged 42, entered a guilty plea to charges involving the robbery of over $20,000 from financial institutions and a separate attempt at another bank, as officially announced by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon. The acts of theft spanned a frenetic week in March.
Details from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan reveal that between March 6 and 12, Sykes succeeded in robbing two credit unions and a bank, while his attempt at a fourth was unsuccessful. In the course of these crimes, Sykes not only threatened the financial peace of the city, but also put lives at risk by engaging in a high-speed chase with the police, behind the wheel of a luxury car that cost over a grand a day to rent.
The manhunt and subsequent investigation were a collective effort by the FBI, Macomb County Gang and Violent Crime Task Force, and local law enforcement, including Sterling Heights, Livonia, Redford Township, and Lathrup Village Police Departments. The Department of Justice confirmed that the prosecution was carried out by the United States Attorney’s Violent and Major Crimes Unit.
Sykes is now awaiting his fate with sentencing earmarked for March 17, 2026. According to the Justice Department, a conviction for bank and credit union robbery, or attempted bank robbery, results in a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. In a statement obtained by the Department of Justice, acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben C. Coleman underscored the gravity of Sykes’ crimes and the relief at his admission of guilt.
