For Immediate Release
September 21, 2001

Washington, D.C.
FBI National Press Office

The Federal Bureau of Investigation today placed Clayton Lee Waagner, a convicted felon, on its "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list. Waagner is also one of the United States Marshals Service's "Fifteen Most Wanted Fugitives". He is being sought for escaping from federal custody in Illinois, bank robbery in Pennsylvania, federal firearms violations in Tennessee, and carjacking in Mississippi. This case is being investigated jointly by the FBI, the United States Marshals Service, as well as state and local law enforcement agencies. Waagner should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

On February 22, 2001, Clayton Lee Waagner escaped from the DeWitt County Jail in Clinton, Illinois, where he was awaiting sentencing after having been convicted on federal weapons and stolen motor vehicle charges. He then allegedly robbed a bank in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in May of 2001. In addition, Waagner is also suspected of other bank robberies in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On September 7, 2001, after Waagner's involvement in a traffic accident in Memphis, Tennessee, authorities recovered law enforcement-type equipment, anti-abortion literature, and weapons, allegedly belonging to Waagner. Later that day, Waagner allegedly carjacked an elderly victim at gunpoint near a casino in Robinsonville, Mississippi. The victim was released approximately two hours later, however the vehicle, a 1995 burgundy Ford Econoline van with Tennessee license plates reading BAE110, has not been recovered.

Waagner is described as a White male, 6'1", 175 to 220 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. He was born in North Dakota on August 25, 1956, and uses numerous aliases. Due to possible frostbite injuries suffered during his escape on his hand and toes, Waagner may have limited use of his left hand and may, at times, walk with a limp. He is known to be pro-life and has, in the past, allegedly made threats against abortion clinics and doctors. He has survivalist skills and may be heavily armed.

Clayton Lee Waagner is the 467th person to be placed on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list, which began in 1950. Since then, 438 fugitives have been apprehended or located, 140 of them as a result of citizen cooperation.

A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for any information leading directly to the arrest of Clayton Lee Waagner. Individuals with information concerning Clayton Lee Waagner should take no action themselves, but instead immediately contact the nearest office of the FBI, United States Marshals Service, or local law enforcement agency. For any possible sighting outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Further information about Clayton Lee Waagner, including his wanted poster, is available on the FBI's Internet Home Page. The FBI's Internet Home Page address is: http://www.fbi.gov.