Man accused of robbing several banks to stand trial

MILWAUKEE — A man accused of robbing a number of Milwaukee area banks appeared in court Thursday, August 2nd for his preliminary hearing. Leviston waived his preliminary hearing and will stand trial in the case.

Michael Leviston

57-year-old Michael Leviston was arrested last month by Wauwatosa police.

He was caught after allegedly robbing the Tri-City Bank near Highway 100 and Bluemound.

According to the criminal complaint, Leviston entered the Tri-City Bank on July 13th wearing a dress and a wig and approached the counter. Officials say he handed the teller a note. When the teller had difficulty reading the note Leviston reportedly said “I have a gun,  give me the money.” After receiving the money, Leviston walked out of the bank.

Officers say while en-route to the bank, officers spotted a man dressed as a woman, running west on Mt. Vernon. Officials caught and arrested the suspect.

Police say while handcuffing Leviston they recovered a crumpled up piece of paper that read “BANK ROBBERY.” The officers also recovered a black bag with $6,615 in cash.

Police believe the suspect also robbed the following banks for money to support a drug habit:

• Tri-City Bank on May 29th (S. 27th Street)
• North Shore Bank on June 8th (4232 W. Oklahoma)
• Associated Bank on June 8th (2590 N. Downer)
• Tri-City BAnk on June 25th ( S. 27th Street)
• Layton State Bank on May 26th ( W. Forest Home Avenue)

If convicted, Leviston faces up to $100,000 in fines or up to 40 years in prison.

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