Home Los Angeles Press Releases 2009 California Statewide Search for Unidentifed Bank Robber who Conducted at Least 15 Takeover Bank Robberies in Past Four...
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California Statewide Search for Unidentifed Bank Robber who Conducted at Least 15 Takeover Bank Robberies in Past Four Months

FBI Los Angeles March 27, 2009
  • Public Affairs Specialist Laura Eimiller (310) 996-3343

The FBI and various police and sheriffs departments in the state of California are seeking the public’s assistance in learning the identification and/or whereabouts of an unidentified armed bank robber nicknamed the “Sleeves Bandit.”

The Sleeves Bandit was named for what appear to be fake tattoo sleeves he has worn during some of the listed bank robberies. Investigators believe that on at least fifteen occasions, the Sleeves Bandit has committed one-man, armed takeover bank robberies throughout the state of California, from as far south as La Crescenta to as far north as Madera and Monterey.

The Sleeves Bandit has established a pattern of robbing the banks at or near closing time. Upon entering the bank, the Sleeves Bandit brandishes a handgun, orders employees and customers to the floor, and proceeds to rob multiple tellers.

Witnesses have described the Sleeves Bandit as a white male, early to mid 50s, short white or gray hair, 5'10" - 6' tall, medium build and weighing 180-200 lbs. He always wears a hat, sunglasses and some form of face covering. Initially, he wore ski-type masks, but has recently been described as wearing something that resembles a mesh, mosquito-type or beekeeper netting. In at least one robbery, victims described a heavy smell of alcohol on the bandit’s breath.

During one robbery, the Sleeves Bandit carried pepper spray, which he used on the victim teller, evidently because she did not comply quickly enough. This robbery and assault occurred at a Citibank in La Crescenta on 12/26/08.

The Sleeves Bandit is believed to be responsible for at least 15 bank robberies since November 26th, 2008. Below is a list of banks robberies believed to be linked to the Sleeves Bandit:

11/26/2008 Washington Mutual Bank Carmel
12/05/2008 Washington Mutual Bank Aptos
12/15/2008 Citibank Carmel
12/26/2008 Citibank La Crescenta
01/02/2009 First Bank of San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo
01/09/2009 US Bank Aptos
01/16/2009 Los Padres Bank Goleta
01/16/2009 Santa Barbara Bank & Trust Goleta
01/30/2009 Citibank La Canada
02/05/2009 Comerica Bank Monterey
02/24/2009 Citibank Madera
02/28/2009 Citibank Carmel
03/17/2009 Heritage Oaks Bank Morro Bay
03/20/2009 The Golden 1 Credit Union Atascadero
03/21/2009 Wescom Credit Union Santa Barbara

This statewide search to apprehend the Sleeves Bandit is a collaborative effort by several agencies in California, including the FBI and the following police and sheriff’s departments:

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department
San Luis Obispo Police Department
Santa Barbara Police Department
Morro Bay PD
Monterey County Sheriff's Department
Monterey PD
Santa Cruz Sheriff's Department
Madera PD

Bank surveillance photographs from each of the 15 robberies are being released to the media. Additional photographs from individual robberies are available upon request. Anyone with information as to the identity or whereabouts of the Sleeves Bandit is urged to contact the FBI or their local law enforcement agency. In Los Angeles, the FBI may be reached 24 hours a day by calling 1 888 CANT HIDE (or 888 226-8443). In San Francisco, the FBI may be reached 24 hours a day by calling 415 553-7400. In Sacramento, the FBI may be reached 24 hours a day by calling 916 481-9110. Additional information regarding bank robberies in Southern California can be found by visiting www.labankrobbers.org.

Reward money is available in exchange for valuable information. Information provided to the FBI will be kept confidential and anonymity is guaranteed.

Media Contact:
FBI Los Angeles: Laura Eimiller: 310 996-3343
FBI San Francisco: Joseph Schadler: 415 553-7450
FBI Sacramento: Steve Dupre: 916 977-2245