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U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation

In Reply, Please Refer to Release No.

219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604

October 28, 2003 Reward Offered for "Wheaton Bandit" Thomas J. Kneir, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Mark Field, Chief of the Wheaton, Illinois Police Department are asking for the public's help in identifying and apprehending the individual depicted in the attached photograph, who is believed responsible for the robbery of as many as seven banks in the Wheaton area, dating back to January of 2002. In making this appeal for help, SAC Kneir announced that a reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the FBI for information that leads to the identification and arrest of this robber. A similar reward for information leading to a conviction was previously offered by the West Suburban Bancorp, and is still in effect, making the total amount offered up to $10,000. Dubbed the "Wheaton Bandit" as six of the banks that have been robbed were in the western suburb, these thefts have been the subject of an exhaustive investigation conducted jointly by the FBI's Lisle office and the Wheaton Police Department. Witnesses have described the "Wheaton Bandit" as being a white/male, 20-30 years of age, 6'- 6' 4" tall, medium build, with blue eyes. Although he has worn different clothing during each robbery, he has always had a hat, hood or scarf that has helped to 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. No shots have been fired and no injuries reported during any of these thefts. According to witnesses, the "Wheaton Bandit" has utilized a late model Chevrolet Impala, dark blue in color, to escape from at least one of the robberies. "We are especially anxious to identify and apprehend this individual as the possibility of violence rises with each successful robbery," said SAC Kneir. Craig Kelbus, Loss Prevention Manager for West Suburban Bank, added, "Our biggest concern is for the safety or our customers and employees. We'd like to see this robbery spree come to end before something more serious occurs." A detailed listing of the robberies that the "Wheaton Bandit" is suspected of having committed is attached. Anyone recognizing this individual or having information about any of these robberies is asked to call the Lisle FBI at (630) 505-5755 or the Wheaton Police Department at (630) 260-2872. Information can also be provided on-line at http://www.wheaton.il.us.

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