FBI * 9797 Aero Drive * San Diego, California 92123 * (858) 565-1255                                 For Immediate Release Saturday, May 17, 2008, 3:45p.m. Contact: Darrell Foxworth (858) 499-7810 April Langwell (858) 499-7917

FBI Seeks Public's Assistance in Identifying Serial Bank Bandit ~
"The Scruffy Bandit"

The FBI and the Chula Vista Police Department are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the individual who is believed to be responsible for at least nine bank robberies in the City of Chula Vista, California.

Dubbed the "Scruffy Bandit" for his uncleanly appearance, the unidentified man robbed the Washington Mutual located at 2121 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista, California, at approximately 11:10 a.m. this morning.

The man is described as a Hispanic male in his late 30s to early 40s, approximately 5'11", weighing 180 pounds, with a medium build. He has dark hair and is commonly unshaven. He typically enters the bank, displays a demand note to the teller, and threatens a weapon (though none has been seen).

Previous robberies he is believed to be responsible for include:

6/29/2007	Union Bank	1343 Third Avenue
7/24/2007	Union Bank	1343 Third Avenue
8/6/2007	Banco Popular	645 H Street
8/17/2007	Pacific West	730 Broadway
10/2/2007	Citibank	352 H Street
10/19/2007	North Island C.U.	45 N Broadway
12/13/2007	Mission Federal C.U.	599 Telegraph Canyon
12/26/2007	Financial 21 C.U.	358 East H Street

Investigators are also look at two other bank robberies for which he may be accused.

Anyone with information regarding any of these robberies should contact the San Diego FBI at 858-565-1255, the Chula Vista Police Department at 619-691-5151, or San Diego County Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 888-580-TIPS.