Home Los Angeles Press Releases 2009 Blue Note Bandit Wanted for Nine Bank Robberies in Five Weeks; $10,000 Reward Offered by Wells Fargo Bank...
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Blue Note Bandit Wanted for Nine Bank Robberies in Five Weeks; $10,000 Reward Offered by Wells Fargo Bank

FBI Los Angeles December 30, 2009
  • Public Affairs Specialist Laura Eimiller (310) 996-3343

The FBI and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, as well as detectives with multiple police departments in Orange County, are seeking the public’s assistance in learning the identity of the “Blue Note Bandit,” the moniker given to an unidentified bank robber believed to be responsible for at least nine bank robberies in Orange County, California, since last month.

According to witness accounts, the Blue Note Bandit enters the banks and presents a demand note to victim tellers requesting “large bills,” asking that the money be handed over “quickly.” The suspect wrote at least one demand note on blue paper. The Blue Note Bandit has threatened a weapon during the bank robberies and has been described as possibly having crooked and/or gapped teeth. The suspect may have used a dark compact vehicle to get away after robbing the banks. A reward of up to $10,000 has been offered by Wells Fargo* for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual/s responsible for these robberies.

The following is a list of banks investigators have linked to the Blue Note Bandit series:

11/24/09 Wachovia Tustin
11/30/09 CA Bank & Trust San Juan Capistrano
12/01/09 Chase Bank Costa Mesa
12/02/09 US Bank Aliso Viejo
12/07/09 Chase Bank Dana Point
12/15/09 Wachovia Irvine
12/17/09 Nuvision FCU Laguna Hills
12/21/09 Bank of America Irvine
12/28/09 Wells Fargo Bank Lake Forest

The Blue Note Bandit is described by witnesses as a white male in his forties, with brown hair and an average build; approximately 6’ tall. Bank surveillance photographs are being distributed to the media in order to identify the Blue Note Bandit.

This investigation is being conducted by the Orange County Bank Robbery Apprehension Team, comprised of agents and detectives with the FBI and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, as well as detectives with police departments in cities listed above. Anyone with information can call these agencies or 911. The FBI may be reached 24 hours a day at 888 CANT HIDE (888 226-8443).

*A reward is paid for original information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of a criminal suspect. Wells Fargo, in its sole discretion, will decide who is entitled to a reward and in what amount. Wells Fargo may pay only a portion of the maximum reward offered. The decision will be based primarily upon law enforcement's evaluation of the value of the information provided. When there are multiple claimants, the reward will be shared in amounts determined by Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo team members are not eligible for the reward. This reward offer is good for one year from the date it is first offered, unless extended by Wells Fargo.