Blue Note Bandit Wanted for 12 Bank Robberies in Two Months; $10,000 Reward Offered by Wells Fargo Bank

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 12 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:

11/30/09 California 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
12/30/2010 La Jolla Bank, Mission Viejo
1/06/2010 California Bank & Trust, Monarch Beach
1/11/2010 Pacific Western Bank, Dana Point
1/22/2010 First Bank, Laguna Niguel

The Blue Note Bandit is described by witnesses as a white male in his 40s, with brown hair and an average build; approximately 6’ tall.

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.

Media Contact
FBI: Laura Eimiller: 310 996-3343
Lourdes Arocho: 310 996-4402 (Spanish speaker)
An agent in Orange County is available for interviews by contacting one of the above-listed contacts.