Fifth Third Bank is suing the widow of an accused bank robber in an attempt to recover about $100,000 it says was stolen from at least three of its branches.

Sherry L. Gregory is trying to sell her Anderson Township home, valued at $421,500. (Enquirer photo) | ZOOM |

        A motion filed by the Cincinnati-based bank failed Monday to block Sherry L. Gregory from selling her Anderson Township colonial valued at $421,500.

        But the bank that used to employ Mrs. Gregory pushes on in a suit to recoup money her husband allegedly stole.

        Mrs. Gregory is the widow of William M. “Bill” Gregory, who was accused of being the “Black Wig Bandit.”

        He was awaiting trial in eight armed bank robberies when he died May 29 in a one-car crash on Interstate 275 in Highland Heights. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

        In a lawsuit filed May 13 in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, bank attorneys allege Mrs. Gregory gave her husband and his brother, Michael Ray Gregory, security information that allowed them to rob the three branches. The suit alleges she provided angles of security cameras, location of cash drawers, and teller procedures.

The wreckage of the Jeep Grand Cherokee that Bill Gregory was driving when he was killed May 29. He was awaiting trial in eight armed bank robberies. His brother Michael has pleaded guilty. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        Fifth Third Bank spokeswoman Robbie Jennings said the bank is trying to recover its loss with the proceeds from the sale of the home.

        Ms. Jennings said bank officials wanted to use the home as collateral against the recovery.

        “It's really rare that a bank robber also has a $400,000 home,” said Ms. Jennings. “He ... terrified our customer service representatives and took from us $100,000.”

        Michael Ray Gregory, 47, of Fairfield has pleaded guilty to his role in the eight bank robberies and faces up to 25 years in prison. He is awaiting sentencing.

        The duo was nicknamed the “Black Wig Bandits” because they robbed banks wearing distinctive black wigs. They were suspected, but never charged, in at least one bank robbery in Northern Kentucky and another in southern Indiana, according to law enforcement officials.

        Mrs. Gregory has never been charged in connection with any of the robberies. Her attorney, Patrick Hanley of Covington, did not return a phone message left at his office Thursday.

        In papers filed at the courthouse, Mrs. Gregory's attorneys vigorously denied the allegations that she assisted her husband or brother-in-law in the robberies.

        The bank's lawsuit claims a review of Bill and Sherry Gregory's bank accounts show “an inordinately high number of significantly large cash bank deposits and withdrawals during the periods of the robberies.”

        The bank has attempted in civil court to freeze any bank accounts controlled by Mrs. Gregory or her brother-in-law and to prevent them from removing cash from safety deposit boxes at Fifth Third Bank or any other institution. Ms. Jennings said the bank plans to appeal Monday's decision, which allowed the home's sale.

        Bill Gregory worked for IBM for 19 years before founding Mentap Systems Inc.
       

Best path to mission is by bus
Bishop's words restore some faith
Priest won't retire, will replace bishop
Flag Day takes on a new poignancy
Add first lady to the guest list
Alleged robber's widow sued over stolen money
City's downside spelled out
Douglas cites his concern for city
Drownings claim two toddlers, woman
Five gardens on display during tour
Minority students' test scores improve
Obituary: Jerry A. 'Jay' Ruberg, 73, founded Jay Tool & Die Co.
River Sweep planned Saturday
Survey: Traffic Blue Ash's one downer
Tristate A.M. Report
BRONSON: Enhance me
SMITH AMOS: Traffic ruckus
WELLS: Keep printing
City works to shape image
Sewer plan survives - for now
W. Chester rejects church as too large
Zoning rejection may kill project
Judge pushes back Traficant sentencing
Highlands sports fees may go up
Kentucky News Briefs
Ky. gets three of new federal scenic routes
UK researchers test lung cancer vaccine