The FBI is stepping up publicity to try to catch a balding, middle-aged bank robber who has hit banks in 13 states, including Virginia, reports the Washington Post. FBI agents call him “the Granddad Bandit,” and he has eluded them for 19 months. Now federal authorities are launching a nationwide campaign to put a name to the face that has been captured in so many surveillance photos. He is suspected of robbing 25 banks from Florida to Texas to New York. He wears no mask. He doesn’t appear to have an accomplice. And as far as anyone can tell, he doesn’t bring a gun.
“He reminds me of Uncle Fester when I look at him,” said FBI Supervisory Special Agent Amanda Moran, who is in charge of bank robbery investigations. “It’s amazing this has gone on so long,” she said. “The Granddad Bandit does not conceal himself at all. We don’t often have bank robbers who don’t use hats, sunglasses, scarves. Most bank robbers try to hide their identity.” In coming days, the FBI plans to post the man’s image on nearly 2,000 digital billboards in more than 40 states, a tactic usually reserved for the most-urgent investigations, such as trying to track down a violent criminal on the run.