U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation

2111 W Roosevelt Rd.
Chicago, IL, 60608.
Phone (312) 421-6700

Chicago FBI Press Office

Phone: (312) 829-1199

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

04/01/08

REWARD OFFER FOR SERIAL BANK ROBBER INCREASED TO $35,000

        Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced today that a previously issued reward offer has been increased to $35,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of a serial bank robber, dubbed the “Time Bandit”. This individual, who is further described below, is believed responsible for the armed take-over robberies of at least ten (10) banks in the south and southwest suburbs, dating to January of 2005.

In the most recent robbery, which took place on March 5th, the TCF Bank branch, located at 6410 West 127 th Street in Palos Heights was robbed of an undisclosed amount of currency. According to witnesses, the robber entered the bank shortly before closing, brandishing a silver revolver. He then forced bank employees into the vault, where he ordered them to fill a blue duffle bag he had brought with him with cash. Although he threatened the employees with harm if his instructions were not followed and discharged his weapon during the robbery, no injuries were reported. He then fled the bank on foot, last direction or mode of escape not observed.

He has been given the moniker “Time Bandit” as he always instructs employees to count to 300 before summoning help. However, during this robbery, he discharged his weapon as he was apparently giving this instruction to the bank employees. He is described as a white/male, age unknown, 6’0 – 6’ 3” tall, thin build, with brown hair and blue or green eyes. He was also described as smelling of alcohol and his movements appeared to be impaired. As he has in previous robberies, he wore a dark colored ski mask and blue hooded sweatshirt or jacket to conceal his identity.

In announcing the increase in the reward from $20,000 to $35,000, Mr. Grant noted the escalation of violence exhibited by the “Time Bandit”. “The obvious mixture of alcohol and a weapon during a robbery is a potentially deadly combination. By increasing the reward offer, we are hopeful that someone with information that will lead to the identification of this individual will come forward and enable us to apprehended him before a tragedy occurs.”

Other thefts linked to the “Time Bandit” are identified as follows:

• MB Financial Bank, 7000 County Line Road, Burr Ridge, 3/7/07
• MB Financial Bank, 9701 South Cicero, Oak Lawn, 2/7/07
• TCF Bank, 2400 East Lincoln Highway, New Lenox, 2/2/07
• Republic Bank, 9530 West 131 st Street, Palos Park, 9/29/06
• TCF Bank, 715 Plainfield Road, Willowbrook, 11/09/05
• TCF Bank, 6410 West 127 th Street, Palos Heights, 9/16/05
• MB Financial Bank, 5750 West 87 th Street, Burbank, 7/29/05
• Citizens Financial Bank, 310 Weber Road, Bolingbrook, 2/25/05
• TCF Bank, 505 North LaGrange Road, Frankfort, 1/28/05

Anyone recognizing this individual or having any information about any of these robberies is asked to call the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Additional copies of the attached wanted flyer are available from the Chicago FBI’s press office at (312) 829-1199.