Gerald Heckathorn

Your bank might have been robbed by Gerald Heckathorn, a man who robbed about 250 of them around the country — including some in Madison — and spent 35 years locked up for those charges and drug-related crimes. He’s written a GoFundMe-driven book that takes readers inside his criminal mind, titled Memoir of a Bank Robber, and if anyone can get Heckathorn (now retired and living in Madison) to talk about his nitty-gritty experiences both in and out of prison, it’s Madison Magazine’s award-winning writer Doug Moe. He’ll be asking the tough questions during what promises to be a fascinating conversation. This event is free but RSVPs are encouraged; it also will be livestreamed via Crowdcast.

media release: PLEASE NOTE: While this is a free event, RSVPs are encouraged. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served.

Can’t make it in person? Watch the livestream here »

About the book

“Memoir of a Bank Robber” is a fascinating autobiography. Gerald Heckathorn reveals how he robbed about 250 banks all across the country, and how he was eventually caught. But he also gives you insights about his childhood and family, and he traces his adolescent crimes, his juvenile incarceration, his battles with drugs, his two short-lived marriages, his harrowing life in adult prisons, and his escapes. You’ll even see cameos by Robert Blake, Ike Turner, and Charles Manson – he ran into all three behind bars! Then he brings you up to date with his retirement in Madison, Wisconsin. And at the end, he gives you his guilt-ridden reflections. Heckathorn takes you on a rollercoaster ride, and you’ve never been on one like this. It’s intriguing, disturbing, and ultimately redemptive.

About the author

Gerald Heckathorn robbed more than 200 banks across the country, including a few right here in Madison, before he got caught. He spent 35 years in prison for these robberies and for some assorted drug crimes. Then he retired here in Madison, and now he's filled with remorse, and he tells all in this revealing, disturbing, and ultimately redemptive memoir.