Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — A convicted bank robber has pleaded guilty in federal court.
Jay Douglas Barker admitted he robbed a Wells Fargo in downtown Fargo this summer. The plea was entered on Monday in the U.S. District Court in North Dakota.
The robbery
Court records say the robbery happened on Aug. 1, 2025. It took place at the Wells Fargo on Main Avenue.
Documents say Barker walked into the bank with a mask on top of his head. He then sat at a lobby table.
Investigators say he wrote a short demand note. The note read, “Robbery 20-50-100.”
Barker walked to a teller window and handed over the note. Court papers say he demanded large bills.
He told the teller, “Give me your twenties, fifties, and hundreds.” The teller felt nervous and complied.
He then made a similar demand to a second teller. That teller thought Barker held something in his hand.
Agents say no weapon was found on Barker. The second teller also handed over cash.
At a third window, Barker gave another warning. He told the teller not to hit the alarms.
He demanded all the money in the drawer. The teller complied, according to the filing.
Arrest and case details
Prosecutors say Barker left with $10,520. The money belonged to Wells Fargo.
The bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. That detail makes it a federal case.
Court records say police later found the cash during a vehicle search. The money was seized as evidence.
Fargo Police arrested Barker on Aug. 1. Officers responded to a business in the 400 block of Main Avenue.
He was booked into the Cass County jail that day. He initially faced a state robbery charge.
The guilty plea is part of a federal case in the U.S. District Court for North Dakota. A written plea agreement was filed with the court.
Possible sentence
Barker faces up to 20 years in federal prison. He also faces a $250,000 fine.
He could receive up to three years of supervised release. He agreed to forfeit the $10,520.
He also agreed to pay $10,520 in restitution. Prosecutors plan to seek a guideline sentence.
The plea notes a “career offender” recommendation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for North Dakota will make that request.
Court papers say the sentence may run at the same time as a revocation term. Barker was convicted of bank robbery in 2017.
A sentencing date has not been set yet. The jury trial has been canceled.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Wells Fargo