Leads Continue to Pour in as FBI Identifies Serial Bank Robber Currently Featured on Electronic Billboard Campaign Throughout the Southeast

Today, a federal arrest warrant was issued from the Eastern District of Tennessee charging 36-year-old Chad E. Schaffner with two counts of bank robbery and two counts of use of a firearm during a bank robbery. Schaffner is suspected of being involved in the robberies of at least 10 banks throughout Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. 

The FBI, through its partnership with Lamar Outdoor Advertising and Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia, was able to identify Schaffner as a direct result of the billboard initiative. “This case is an emblematic example of the importance of public/private sector alliances in bringing criminals to justice in today’s information age” said Richard Lambert, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Knoxville Division. “Working together with Lamar Outdoor Advertising and other electronic billboard owners, we now have the capability to instantly display a wanted suspect’s face to thousands of motorists throughout several states.”

Schaffner is considered armed and dangerous and anyone with information regarding Schaffner’s whereabouts should contact the FBI or their local law enforcement office. Schaffner is described as a white male, 36 years old, 6’ tall, 200 pound, with brown hair and brown eyes. Additionally, he may be driving a 1994 GMC Jimmy pickup truck, black in color with Tennessee license plate 360 WLN or a 1994 Chevrolet S10 pickup, red in color with South Carolina license plate EVE 177.

Please visit the Knoxville Division website at knoxville.fbi.gov to view a current photo and copies of the warrant. This matter is being investigated jointly by multiple FBI field offices as well as the Morristown, Tennessee Police Department and the Jefferson City, Tennessee Police Department.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.