Gainesville man charged in connection with St. Johns County bank robbery

Deputies: Man believed responsible for at least 2 additional bank robberies

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A Gainesville man has been charged in connection with a bank robbery in September, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said.

William Thomas, 26, is charged with robbery with a firearm that carries a $500,000 bond. Deputies said he has been in the Alachua County Jail since his arrest Sept. 10 on eight local felony charges with bonds totaling $435,000.

Detectives with the Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit began an investigation Sept. 5 after a report about a bank robbery of a TD Bank on U.S. 1 South, deputies said.

The male robber entered the bank at 3:15 p.m., approached the teller and demanded money. Deputies said he implied that he had a weapon, and an undisclosed amount of cash was turned over to him, who then fled on foot.

A search of the area did not find the robber, deputies said. Detectives continued the investigation and utilized video surveillance and other investigative techniques, which led to the robber's identification.

Deputies said Thomas has a lengthy criminal history and is believed responsible for at least two additional bank robberies.

Detectives are continuing the investigation, deputies said.