Neighbors react to accused 60-year-old bank robber

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — “It’s insane, I was, I’ve been talking about this past couple of days with my coworkers and, and I, she was right there the whole time.”

That was the reaction from Curtis Allen, a neighbor of 60-year-old Rhonda West, who appeared in court Thursday afternoon after being arrested Wednesday evening.

Arrest warrants say West is charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, and several drug charges, including possession of methamphetamine.

Her mug shot is in stark contrast with the image of a masked assailant captured by security cameras at the State Employees’ Credit Union on Sanders Road on October 9th.

Authorities claim the thief took more than $5,000.

West was arrested when she was at the Gauntlet, located in Monkey Junction.

WWAY reached out to the owners of the gauntlet for comment, but did not hear back in time for this story.

George Blake, a close friend of West’s uncle, with whom she had lived, said West was a bit unusual.

“Was she different? Yes, she was a different human but I never thought that,” Blake said. “And of course, sometimes when you put ignorance and eagerness together, they don’t mix very well.”

West had asked for a court-appointed lawyer and has a $50,000 secured bond.

Her next court appearance is set for November 6th.