Anchorage man attempts to rob bank with ‘authority of Jesus,’ affidavit says

UNITED STATES, March 25 — ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - An Anchorage man robbed a credit union last month armed only “with the power and authority of Jesus,” according to an affidavit filed in Alaska district court. At around 5:58 p. m.

on Feb. 26, the affidavit states 35-year-old Deshalon Jelks approached a teller at Credit Union 1 on Debarr Road and gave them a note reading, “I have a weapon. And that weapon I am armed with the power & authority of Jesus Christ.

Empty the drawer into an envelope do not set off the alarm. -Neeclti sent me. -Thank you.

” The teller emptied the till of money and handed it to Jelks in an envelope. The Anchorage Police Department tracked Jelks to the Costco across the street from the Credit Union 1. Officers saw Jelks at the Costco with the same clothes worn by the suspect in security camera footage at the Credit Union 1.

Security camera footage from the Anchorage Credit Union 1 during a robbery on Feb. 26, 2026. (From Department of Justice) When police approached Jelks, a minor confrontation ensued and a “large amount” of money spilled onto the floor.

Officers later counted $1,701 taken from Jelks. During his interview at APD Headquarters, officers noticed Jelks was wearing an ankle monitor and he claimed he had a previous state charge. Jelks claimed he did enter the Credit Union 1 and ask for money.

He admitted he told the teller he was “armed with the authority of Jesus Christ,” but denied he said he had any literal weapon. He also denied receiving any money, despite “desperately” needing it. After a search of his phone, officers noted several calls around the time of the robbery and found what they found to be evidence that he was attempting to acquire methamphetamine, which he admitted to using infrequently.

Jelks is being held at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, according to the affidavit. During his transport to prison, Jelks asked if he would be getting any of the money back, which he did not. Editor’s Note: As of March 3, the charges against Jelks have been dismissed, according to CourtView.

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu. com Copyright 2026 KTUU.