$1 million bond for Wilmington man charged with Joliet bank robbery

A Wilmington man who police said made his getaway from a bank robbery in a taxi will face state charges in connection with the incident.

On Tuesday, Will County prosecutors filed charges of financial institution robbery and aggravated robbery against 54-year-old Emil Panock in connection with the incident Friday at the 170 N. Ottawa St. PNC Bank.

Panock’s bond was set at $1 million bond by Will County Judge Jessica Colon-Sayre, court records show.

State’s attorney spokeswoman Carole Cheney said there is “concurrent jurisdiction” in the case and prosecutors with U.S. Attorney John Lausch’s office could also bring charges.

The federal government typically prosecutes bank robbery cases as banks are federally insured.

As of Tuesday afternoon, federal court records did not show any charges filed against Panock. Lausch’s spokesman, Joseph Fitzpatrick, failed to respond to a message and call.

The Will County charges allege that Panock took “by threat of force” cash that belonged to PNC Bank.

The charges further allege that Panock indicated verbally “or by his actions” that he was “presently armed with a firearm.”

Panock appeared for a court hearing Tuesday before Judge Brian Barrett.

Panock was assigned a public defender after he said he doesn’t work, he’s disabled and he receives Supplemental Security Income.

Panock pleaded not guilty. His case was set for a Dec. 28 hearing for a motion to reduce his bond.

Joliet police officials said Panock entered PNC Bank on Friday, approached a teller and used a note to announce a robbery. A weapon was implied but not seen.

Panock stole about $1,000 in cash from the bank and then fled the scene in a cab, police said.

Detectives were able to locate Panock in a room at the 2109 Plainfield Road Crest Hill Inn, police said.