Man Believed to be “Skinny Bandit” Arrested and Charged

SAN DIEGO – Terry Lee Taylor was indicted by a federal grand jury this morning on four counts of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery. His alleged accomplice, Trinity Arvin Keara Jones, was also charged.

According to the indictment, Taylor robbed three area banks and attempted to rob a fourth between June 9, 2018 and June 18, 2018.

On June 9, 2018, Taylor is alleged to have robbed the US Bank located at 9400 Mira Mesa Boulevard in San Diego, California. During that robbery, Taylor passed a note to the teller that demanded $3,000 in $100 denominations. Taylor’s note specified that he had a gun and was willing to shoot everyone in the bank if his demands were not met. Taylor robbed the bank of approximately $1,879.

Three days later, on June 12, 2018, Taylor is alleged to have robbed the Chase Bank located at 1467 Main Street in Ramona, California. He presented a note to the bank teller which informed her that he had a gun and that he wanted all the money in the top drawer. The note again threatened the lives of everyone in the bank if his demands were not met. After receiving $4,696, Taylor fled the bank.

On June 14, 2018, Taylor allegedly attempted to rob the Bank of America located at 1407 Main Street in Ramona, California. Thanks to the diligence of a bank employee, who recognized a security photograph from the Chase Bank robbery, this robbery failed. After recognizing Taylor, a bank employee immediately pressed the alarm and called 911. Taylor, who appeared nervous, fled the bank without money.

On June 18, 2018, Taylor allegedly robbed the US Bank located at 12265 Scripps Poway Parkway in Poway with the assistance of Jones. Jones scouted the bank by entering the bank and speaking with a teller. Jones then left the bank, and Taylor entered the bank. Taylor presented a note to the bank teller. The note threatened deadly force and demanded money. Taylor then fled with $2,295. Jones allegedly drove the getaway vehicle with Taylor in the passenger seat.

Subsequent investigation identified Taylor as the robber. He was arrested on June 18 in San Diego and is scheduled to be arraigned on July 3, 2018 at 10 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen S. Crawford. Jones was taken into custody on June 19 in Ramona.

During the investigation, the FBI nicknamed the unidentified robber as the “Skinny Bandit” based on his description.

DEFENDANTS                                            Case Number 18-cr-2991-JM                                                          

Terry Lee Taylor                                             Age: 23                       San Diego, CA          

Trinity Arvin Keara Jones                              Age: 18                       Ramona, CA             

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Bank Robbery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2113(a)

Attempted Bank Robbery– Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2113(a)

Maximum penalty: 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine

AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation

San Diego Sheriff’s Department

San Diego Police Department