60-Year-Old Woman Arrested After SECU Bank Robbery in Wilmington

Rhonda West arrested in Wilmington bank robbery

NOW, RHONDAAAAAAAA!

A 60-year-old woman, identified as Rhonda West, has been arrested after a bank robbery at the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) branch on Sanders Road in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (NHSO) confirmed her arrest on October 15, 2025, nearly a week after the brazen daytime heist.

According to investigators, the robbery happened on October 9, 2025, when West allegedly entered the SECU branch armed with a gun and demanded cash from a teller.

Authorities say she made off with approximately $5,440 before fleeing the scene.

The incident immediately prompted a countywide investigation.

Detectives from the NHSO worked leads that eventually brought them to a local area known as “The Gauntlet” in Monkey Junction, where West was taken into custody without incident.

Following her arrest, West was booked into the New Hanover County Detention Facility. Initially held without bond, she now faces a series of charges, including:

• Felony robbery with a dangerous weapon

• Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance

• Possession of marijuana (up to ½ ounce)

• Possession of marijuana paraphernalia

• Possession of drug paraphernalia

• Simple possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance

At her first court appearance, West’s bond was set at $51,500 ($50,000 for the robbery count + $1,500 for the drug charges).

Prosecutors had pushed for a $100,000 bond, citing her extensive criminal history.

If released, West must follow strict conditions, including electronic monitoring and a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Her next court date is scheduled for November 6.