SEATTLE, WA — A 34-year-old woman accused of robbing multiple Seattle banks has been charged with seven counts of first-degree robbery and one count of attempted robbery, according to King County prosecutors.
Leena Chang was arrested earlier this month following a July 7 holdup at the Washington Federal Bank in West Seattle. Authorities allege Chang robbed at least eight banks since June 2024, growing bolder with each incident and even taking pride in evading law enforcement.
Despite having no prior criminal history, prosecutors are seeking a $500,000 bail, calling Chang a continuing threat to public safety.
“The State remains very concerned she will commit another violent offense, specifically a bank robbery,” said Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Brynn Jacobson in a court filing.
Court documents state that Chang initially used full facial disguises—including masks and coverings—but gradually scaled down to sunglasses and a head wrap. Investigators say she used a hyper-realistic airsoft pistol to intimidate bank employees and customers.
When police arrested her shortly after the July 7 robbery, they discovered stolen cash, disguises, and a demand note in her possession. A subsequent search of her apartment uncovered further evidence, including prior demand notes and a notebook detailing at least two previous robberies.
In a surreal twist, prosecutors say Chang had painted a watercolor version of her own FBI wanted poster—suggesting she relished her notoriety.
“Being the subject of a major law enforcement investigation appears to have given the defendant a sense of pride,” Jacobson noted.
The robberies occurred at various bank branches including Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Key Bank, HomeStreet Bank, and Washington Federal Bank. Chang reportedly used threats to obtain money and escaped before authorities could respond.
Police had been monitoring her residence prior to the July 7 incident and moved in quickly when she returned home with incriminating items.
According to detectives, Chang also confessed to a friend that she found satisfaction in successfully carrying out the robberies and evading capture.
She is currently in custody and awaiting further court proceedings.
