U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation

In Reply, Please Refer to Release No.

219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604

December 11, 2006 SEARCH INTENSIFIES FOR "WHEATON BANDIT" Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Rick Willing, Chief of the Carol Stream, Illinois Police Department; William Kidwell, Chief of the Geneva, Illinois Police Department; Philip J. Norton, Chief of the Glen Ellyn, Illinois Police Department; David Dial, Chief of the Naperville, Illinois Police Department, Mark Field, Chief of the Wheaton, Illinois Police Department and Frank Bellisario, Chief of the Winfield, Illinois Police Department are asking for the public's help in identifying and apprehending the individual depicted in the attached photographs and artist sketch, who is believed responsible for the robbery or attempted robbery of 16 banks and credit unions in the western suburbs of Chicago, dating back to January of 2002.   In making this appeal, Mr. Grant reminded the public that a reward offer previously announced by the FBI of up to $20,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of this individual was still in effect. This is in addition to a reward of up to $5,000, which is being offered by the West Suburban Bancorp, and $10,000 rewards offered each by Harris Bank and Charter One, making the total amount offered for his arrest up to $45,000.   Dubbed the "Wheaton Bandit", as seven of the banks that were initially robbed were in the far western suburb, these thefts have been the subject of an extensive investigation for the past four years, which has been conducted jointly by the FBI's Lisle office and the Carol Stream and Wheaton Police Departments. Investigators from the Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Naperville and Winfield Police Departments joined in the investigation, following the robbery of financial institutions in their respective communities. This case was also profiled on the March 20, 2004 edition of the nationally broadcast television show "America's Most Wanted" and locally on "Chicago's Most Wanted".   In his most recent theft, which occurred on December 7th, the "Wheaton Bandit" entered the Glen Ellyn Bank & Trust, located at 462 North Park Street in Glen Ellyn at approximately 5:00 PM, brandishing a black colored, semi- automatic handgun. As he has done in previous thefts, he orally announced a robbery and ordered bank employees and customers to the floor, threatening them with harm should they fail to comply with his demands. He then removed an undetermined amount of cash from several teller drawers, placing it into a white plastic bag that he had brought with him. He then fled the scene on foot, last direction of travel and mode of escape not observed. The robber was wearing a royal blue colored ski jacket, black ski mask, blue jeans and gloves. Based on witness descriptions and surveillance photos, he is believed to be wearing body armor under his clothing. In this most recent incident, he was also in possession of a police scanner, which he apparently was utilizing to monitor local police communications.   Witnesses have described the "Wheaton Bandit" as being a white/male, 35-40 years of age, 6'- 6' 2" tall, medium build, with blue eyes. Although he has worn different clothing during each robbery, he has always used a hood or ski mask to help conceal his identity. He has also been armed with a semi-automatic handgun during each of the robberies, which he has used to threaten bank employees. Thus far, no shots have been fired and no injuries reported during any of these thefts.   A major development in the investigation came last week when a citizen observed an individual outside the Fifth Third Bank in Winfield, who investigators believe was the "Wheaton Bandit". He was unmasked and wearing the same clothing depicted in surveillance photos that were taken during the robbery. The attached composite sketch was prepared based on the observations of this witness.     "We are especially anxious to identify and apprehend this individual", said Mr. Grant. "Based on the way that he handles his weapon and gives commands during the robberies, we feel that he might have either law enforcement or military training, making him even more of a threat to the community." Craig Kelbus, Loss Prevention Manager for West Suburban Bank, added "Our primary concern remains the safety of our customers and employees. We'd like to see this individual apprehended before something more serious occurs".   A detailed listing of the robberies that the "Wheaton Bandit" is suspected of having committed is attached.   A special hotline has been established by the task force investigating the "Wheaton Bandit". Anyone recognizing this individual or having information   about any of these robberies is asked to call the Lisle FBI at (630) 577-3464.   Additional information about this investigation is also available on-line at the Wheaton Police Department website, www.wheaton.il.us/service/police, under "Wheaton's Most Wanted".   EDITOR'S NOTE: Additional copies of the attached photographs and sketch are available from the Chicago FBI Press Office, either by courier or e-mail, at (312) 829-1199.

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