An artistic depiction of the intersection between crime and literature in Detroit.
Detroit’s Dorian Trevor Sykes, a local author known for his crime fiction, has been arrested for allegedly robbing two banks shortly after his release from prison. Sykes, previously serving time for similar offenses, was captured driving a Rolls-Royce SUV after one of the heists. This alarming turn of events raises questions about his choices post-release and the captivating yet troubling narrative of his life.
Detroit is buzzing with news of local author Dorian Trevor Sykes, who has recently been arrested once again, not for his writing talent but for allegedly robbing two banks this past March. At 41 years old, Sykes has made headlines before, but this time he finds himself in a real-life plot twist that even his fiction novels might struggle to match.
The latest alleged escapades took place in March 2024, when Sykes was said to have committed robberies at Credit Union One in Sterling Heights, managing to snatch $10,169 on March 6, and then hitting Chase Bank in Lathrup Village just a week later, walking away with $3,400. After the second heist, he was spotted driving a luxurious Rolls-Royce SUV, making the entire affair feel almost cinematic.
What makes Sykes’s story even more intriguing is his background as a writer. He has penned at least nine crime fiction books including titles like “King of Detroit” and “Born to Die.” One might think that his skills in storytelling could steer him away from the criminal path, yet this isn’t the first time he’s tangled with the law. With a history spanning more than 20 years in federal prison due to previous bank robbery convictions, his track record raises questions about his choices post-release.
Sykes’s troubles with the law date back to 2002, where one major robbery netted an astonishing nearly $200,000 from a Fifth Third Bank. Following a 2005 conviction that brought him a 17-year sentence, he only spent a fraction of that time free before returning to his old ways. In fact, he didn’t even wait a full two months after being released in February 2024 to commit his first robbery, netting $2,030 just six weeks later. It’s clear that Sykes has a deep-rooted penchant for the adrenaline rush of heists.
Law enforcement has linked Sykes to these recent crimes through a series of key pieces of evidence. For starters, during the initial robbery, he handed the teller an illegible note but still verbally declared his intentions, which would become crucial for the prosecution. Additionally, latent fingerprints found at the credit union matched his, serving as a smoking gun. Video footage at the Chase Bank showed a man resembling Sykes fleeing in that conspicuous white Rolls-Royce SUV.
Currently, Sykes is facing serious charges that could lead to an additional 20 years in federal prison if convicted. The courtroom drama doesn’t end there; he has requested to represent himself but has also received assistance from the Federal Community Defender office. Meanwhile, he sits behind bars with no chance at bail as officials prepare for a detention hearing.
With such a long history of robberies, it’s hard not to wonder why Sykes continues to find himself in this cycle of crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Carlson pointedly noted concerns over Sykes’s apparent disregard for the law. Despite having seen the inside of a prison for over 20 years, it looks like he has opted not to steer clear of the criminal path.
Interestingly enough, his novels, all published online, reflect his own life experiences in some way. Despite being described as a small fry in the literary world, his books managed to sell around 2,500 copies each through a publishing house. But one can only wonder if his knack for storytelling will ever translate into a different narrative—one where he stays out of prison for good.
The unfolding drama surrounding Dorian Trevor Sykes continues to captivate many in Detroit. As he awaits trial, people can’t help but anticipate what this real-life plot will reveal next. Will he pen his own version of redemption, or will it be another chapter filled with crime and despair? One thing is for sure, the saga of Sykes is far from over.
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