A 63-year-old man with a history of bank robberies has been charged with first-degree robbery after allegedly holding up an Umpqua Bank in Auburn at gunpoint and fleeing with more than $1,100 in cash, according to charging documents filed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Michael Peter Esposito was arrested on June 12, 2025, nearly a month after the May 13 robbery, which occurred just after 11:20 a.m. at the bank located at 4101 A Street SE.

As we previously reported, on May 13, Esposito entered the branch wearing a bright orange traffic vest and pointed a handgun at a teller, demanding $50 and $100 bills. The teller complied, and Esposito fled the scene on foot.

Detectives later reviewed city traffic and bank surveillance footage showing the suspect’s distinctive walk, posture, and attire. A tip led investigators to Esposito’s address in Kent, where he was placed under surveillance and eventually arrested without incident. Police recovered a black bag with a gold zipper matching the one seen during the robbery, as well as shoes consistent with those worn by the suspect.

Esposito has five prior felony convictions for robbery — including four first-degree cases and one second-degree case — and was previously arrested in connection with multiple Seattle-area bank heists, records show.

He is currently being held on $750,000 bail.

Prosecutors said high bail was warranted due to “numerous prior robbery convictions with similar motives,” and emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating:

“High bail and no contact with the victim bank and victim teller are required in the interest of justice and to protect the safety of the community.”

The case is being handled by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Esposito has declined to answer questions following his arrest.

The next court date is arraignment on June 30, 2025 at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.

Defendants are innocent until proven guilty.