FBI and San Diego Sheriff's Department Seek Public’s Assistance to Identify Serial Bank Robber

Man Believed Responsible for Three Bank Robberies in One Day

The FBI and San Diego Sheriff’s Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the unknown man believed responsible for robbing three banks in one day.

The suspect is believed responsible for robbing the following banks on Friday, June 15, 2012, using a demand note in each robbery:

(1) The Chase Bank branch located at 12380 Poway Road in Poway, California, at approximately 9:32 a.m.

(2) The U.S. Bank branch located at 245 Vista Village Drive in Vista, California, at approximately 1:31 p.m.

(3) The U.S. Bank branch located at 13395 Poway Road in Poway, California, at approximately 3:05 p.m.

During the robbery of the Chase Bank, the robber approached the teller and presented a demand note, followed by a verbal demand for money. The suspect indicated that he was armed. The teller complied with the robber’s demand and provided him with a sum of money. After receiving the money, the robber walked out the bank and was last seen fleeing the area in a dark-colored sedan. The robber was described as a white male, approximately 60 years old, approximately 5’9” tall, with a white scruffy beard. He was wearing a blue baseball cap and a blue windbreaker. The baseball cap had the letter “C” on the front, similar to a Chicago Cubs logo.

During the robbery of the U.S. Bank at 245 Vista Village Drive in Vista, California, the robber presented a demand note and threatened to be armed with a weapon. The robber received a sum of money from the teller and exited the bank. The robber was described as a white male, approximately 5’9” tall, average build, scruffy beard, blue baseball cap, blue windbreaker, and wearing glasses. No weapon was observed and no injuries reported.

During the robbery of the U.S. Bank at 13395 Poway Road in Poway, California, the robber presented a demand note to a teller. After receiving a sum of money from the teller, the teller exited the bank. No weapon was observed and no injuries reported.

Witnesses describe the robber as follows:

Sex: Male

Race: White

Age: Approximately 60 years old

Height: Approximately 5’9”—6’0” tall

Weight: Approximately 225 lbs.

Build: Average to heavy

Hair: Scruffy facial hair

Eyes: Unknown

Clothing: Blue baseball cap, blue windbreaker, blue jeans glasses. During the first robby, the suspect is believed to have worn a blue baseball cap with a red letter “C”; the hat looked similar to a Cubs baseball cap.

Weapon: Threatened weapon, but none observed

FBI and San Diego Sheriff‘s Department Seek Public’s Assistance to Identify Bank of America Robber

Bank of America Branch Located Inside Albertsons Grocery Store in Spring Valley, California

The FBI and San Diego Sheriff’s Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the unknown man responsible for robbing the Bank of America located inside the Albertsons grocery store at 543 Sweetwater Road in Spring Valley, California on Monday, June 4, 2012.

On Monday, June 4, 2012, at approximately 10:25 a.m., a Bank of America branch located inside an Albertsons grocery store at 543 Sweetwater Road in Spring Valley, California was robbed by an unknown male. At the time of the robbery, the robber approached the victim teller and handed her a demand note that was inside a clear, laminated folder with blue trim. The note threatened to shoot the teller if she did not provide him with money. The robber also gestured towards his waistband, simulating that he was armed with a weapon. The robber carried a plastic cup with a clear liquid in his left hand that he sipped from during the robbery. After receiving a sum of mone,y the robber walked out of the grocery store. No weapon was observed and no injuries reported.

Witnesses describe the robber as follows:

■Sex: Male

■Race: Black

■Height: Approximately 5’8” tall

■Weight: Approximately 140 lbs.

■Build: Athletic/muscular

■Hair: Unknown

■Eyes: Unknown—suspect wore sunglasses

■Clothing: Gray, zip-up style baggy jacket; striped gray beanie cap; blue cloth gloves; and black plastic frame sunglasses

Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 (san.diego@ic.fbi.gov) or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS (8477). You may remain anonymous by calling the FBI or Crime Stoppers.

Robbery of Bank of America Branch in Fallbrook

FBI Seeks Public’s Assistance in Identifying Robber

The FBI and San Diego Sheriff’s Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the unknown man responsible for robbing the Bank of America branch located at 1125 South Main Street in Fallbrook, California on Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

On Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at approximately 9:56 a.m., the Bank of America branch located at 1125 South Main in Fallbrook, California was robbed by an unknown man. At the time of the robbery, the robber approached a teller and made a verbal demand for money. The robber stated that he was there to rob the teller and had explosives in a waiting car. After receiving a sum of money, the robber exited the bank. After the robber exited the bank, a dye pack exploded, covering the robber in red dye. It is possible that some of the clothing worn by the robber could be stained with red dye. Witnesses describe the robber as follows:

Sex: Male

Race: White

Age: Late-40s

Height: Approximately 5’8” tall

Weight: Unknown

Build: Medium/heavy

Eyes: Unknown

Hair/Coloring: Gray/white hair

Clothing: Yellow baseball cap with words “Beat Vegas”; black sunglasses; tan shorts; and gray, long-sleeved shirt

Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 (or e-mail at san.diego@ic.fbi.gov) or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS (8477). You may remain anonymous by calling the FBI or Crime Stoppers.  This robber should be considered armed and dangerous.

Arrests Made in Serial Bank Robbery Investigation

“Insistent Bandit” Suspects Taken into Custody

San Diego FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter announces the arrest of Steve Edward Ruby, age 52, of El Cajon, California, and Spiros Romensas, age 51, of La Mesa as a result of the investigation into the “Insistent Bandit” serial bank robbery investigation.

Ruby and Romensas were arrested on Thursday, March 8, 2012 by detectives and agents from the El Cajon Police Department, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Chula Vista Police Department, and the FBI. Both men were taken into custody without incident.

In a complaint filed with the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, Ruby and Romensas are charged with one count of violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a), bank robbery and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, aiding and abetting as it relates to the robbery of the Pacific Western Bank, 368 Broadway, El Cajon, California on Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

The robbery of the Pacific Western Bank, 368 Broadway, El Cajon, California on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 was considered one of six bank robberies in the “Insistent Bandit” bank robbery series. Ruby and Romensas are currently being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC).

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California, San Diego, California.

An arrest itself is not evidence that the defendants committed crimes charged. The defendants are presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

FBI and San Diego Sheriff’s Department Seek Public’s Assistance to Identify Chase Bank Robber

The FBI and San Diego Sheriff’s Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the unknown male responsible for robbing the Chase Bank located at 12380 Poway Road, Poway, California, on Thursday, March 1, 2012.

On Thursday, March 1, 2012, at approximately 5:54 p.m., an armed, unknown male entered the Chase Bank located at 12380 Poway Road, Poway, California, and robbed an on-duty teller. At the time of the robbery, the robber walked into the bank brandishing a black semi-automatic pistol and made a verbal demand for money from the victim teller. The robber slammed the pistol on the counter and pointed the weapon in the direction of the teller. The robber ordered the teller to place the money in a black laptop bag he carried into the bank. The teller complied with the robber’s demand and placed the money inside the bag and returned it to the robber. The robber was last seen fleeing northbound through the parking lot of the bank.

The robber is described as follows:

Race: Black

Sex: Male
Age: Late 20s to early 30s
Height: Approximately 5’5” tall
Weight: Approximately 140 to 150 pounds
Complexion: Medium to dark
Build: Thin
Hair: Wore a gray/silver colored wig with loose curls
Facial hair: Possible acne or razor bumps
Eye color: Unknown
Clothing: Orange baseball cap, black hoodie, and dark jeans
Weapon: Black semi-automatic pistol

Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at (858) 565-1255, or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. This robber should be considered armed and dangerous.

FBI and San Diego Sheriff’s Department Seek Public’s Assistance to Identify Bank of America Bank Robber

The FBI and San Diego Sheriff’s Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify an unknown female responsible for robbing the Bank of America, located inside of the Albertsons grocery store, 543 Sweetwater Road, Spring Valley, California, on Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

On Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at approximately 4:34 p.m., an unknown female armed with a firearm robbed a teller at the Bank of America, located inside of the Albertsons grocery store, 543 Sweetwater Road, Spring Valley, California. The robber approached the teller and presented a demand note. The note demanded money and indicated the robber was armed with a weapon. The robber lifted up her shirt and displayed the handle of a firearm that was positioned at her waistline. The robber ordered the teller to place the money into a black and white purse the robber was carrying. After receiving a sum of money the robber walked out of the grocery store headed north.

Witnesses describe the robber as follows:

Sex: Female

Race: Hispanic
Age: Late teens to early 20s
Height: Approximately 5’8” to 5’10” tall
Weight: Approximately 110 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Build: Thin
Hair: Black wavy hair
Clothing: Dark knit cap, black shirt, black jacket with white cuffs, and blue jeans
Weapon: Handgun (unknown make or model)

Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. You may remain anonymous by calling the FBI or Crime Stoppers. The robber should be considered armed and dangerous.

Two Mexican Mafia Members and 117 San Diego County, California Street Gang Members and Associates with Ties to the Mexican Mafia Charged with Racketeering Conspiracy, Drug Trafficking Violations, and Firearms Offenses

119 Individuals Charged in Three Countywide Law Enforcement Operations

SAN DIEGO—A federal grand jury in San Diego has handed up 17 indictments and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California has filed eight criminal complaints charging a total of 119 defendants with federal racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking violations, and federal firearm offenses, announced U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California Laura E. Duffy.

U.S. Attorney Duffy said, “The cases unsealed today make communities stronger and safer. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to an anti-gang, anti-violence strategy built on close coordination between federal, state and local officials. This coordination provides better intelligence about street gangs and violent crime within our communities. And better intelligence means better law enforcement and prosecutions.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter commented, “Today’s arrests mark one of the largest single takedowns in San Diego FBI history. The FBI and our law enforcement partners stand unified in our efforts to protect this county from the violence, drug trafficking and extortion schemes employed by the Mexican Mafia and its affiliates. San Diego is inherently safer today because of the cooperation between our agencies working together to disrupt and dismantle the criminal activities of these dangerous individuals.”

“This is a traditional case of dishonor amongst thieves,” commented San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore. “Gangs were made to pay ‘taxes’ in order to facilitate their trafficking and violent behavior. We answered with a one-two punch: a strong and experienced multi-agency investigation, armed with the RICO statute. The results speak for themselves.”

The charges stem from three investigations entitled, “Operation Notorious County,” “Operation Carnalismo,” and “Operation 12-Step.”

“Operation Notorious County”

The indictments are the result of an 18-month-long investigation entitled, “Operation Notorious County,” led by the North County Regional Gang Task force. Eight indictments charging 51 individuals, including one charging 40 defendants with participating in a federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) conspiracy were unsealed today. All five indictments were handed up by a federal grand jury sitting in San Diego on Jan. 19, 2012. The RICO conspiracy alleged in the indictment involves the commission of both state and federal crimes, including attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion, money laundering, and drug trafficking violations. As set forth in the indictment, the defendants are members, associates and facilitators of violent street gangs operating primarily in north San Diego County under the auspices of the Mexican Mafia or “La Eme.” The gangs named in the indictment include the Diablos and West Side gangs, based in Escondido, Calif., as well as the Varrio San Marcos and the Varrio Fallbrook Locos. The individuals named in the indictment were involved in a long-standing criminal enterprise used to extort money by threat or violence. The money was then sent on to high-ranking members of the Mexican Mafia, including defendant Rudy Espudo. The indictment alleges that Espudo is a validated member of the Mexican Mafia who oversees their activities throughout much of northern San Diego County.

“Operation Carnalismo”

In “Operation Carnalismo,” led by the Violent Crime Task Force-Gang Group, a group of federal, state, and local law enforcement agents led by the FBI, five indictments charging 36 individuals were unsealed today. Eight defendants are charged in one indictment with a conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (RICO), violent crime in aid of racketeering (VCAR), distribution and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and criminal forfeiture. Four additional indictments, charging 28 defendants were also unsealed. These related indictments charge distribution and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and criminal forfeiture. All five indictments were handed up by a federal grand jury sitting in San Diego on Jan. 24, 2012, and unsealed today. The RICO indictment charges the criminal enterprise was run by Mexican Mafia member Salvador Colabella. Colabella and his associates conspired to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, extorted and robbed others, and laundered drug-trafficking proceeds. Colabella and his associates collected the extortion payments through the threat of violence and the commission of violence. According to the indictment, the Mexican Mafia has about 200 members, but its reach extends to thousands of Hispanic street-gang members in Southern California. A Mexican Mafia member is the highest level one can attain in the Mexican Mafia. A member, also called “Brother” or “Carnal” or “Tio,” controls, exploits and profits from the criminal activity conducted by street-gang members and others. This control over the criminal activity is enforced through acts of violence or the threat of violence.

“Operation 12-Step”

This year-long investigation, known as “Operation 12-Step,” was led by the East County Regional Gang Task Force, a group of federal and state law enforcement led by the FBI and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Operation 12-Step focused on gang-related methamphetamine distribution activities in San Diego County. Today four indictments and eight complaints were unsealed charging 32 individuals with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to court records, individuals charged in this investigation belong to nine different criminal street gangs including Varrio Chula Vista, East Side Piru, Old Town National City, Shelltown, National City Locos, Imperial Beach Imperials, Paradise Hills, Varrio Encanto Locos and National City Block Boys. Between Feb. 22, 2011, and Dec. 13, 2011, law enforcement made more than 20 methamphetamine and heroin seizures in connection with this investigation. In addition, search warrants were executed at eight residences in San Diego; Spring Valley, Calif.; National City, Calif.; Imperial Beach, Calif.; and Chula Vista, Calif..

U.S. Attorney Duffy praised the coordinated effort of the law enforcement agencies of the Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the East County and North County Regional Gang Task Forces under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for the coordinated team effort culminating in the charges filed in these cases. The OCDETF program was created to consolidate and utilize all law enforcement resources in this country’s battle against major drug trafficking.

The cases are being investigated by the FBI, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the National City, Calif., Police Department; the San Diego Police Department; the Escondido, Calif., Police Department; the Carlsbad, Calif., Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; the La Mesa, Calif., Police Department; the El Cajon, Calif., Police Department; the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office; the U.S. Bureau of Prisons; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the San Diego County Probation Department; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; and Customs and Border Protection-United States Border Patrol.

The cases are being prosecuted in San Diego federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Mazza, Jaime Parks, Fred Sheppard and Tara McGrath.

An indictment or a complaint are not evidence that the defendants committed the crimes charged. The defendants are presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

FBI and San Diego Sheriff’s Department Seek Public’s Assistance to Identify Pacific Western Bank Robber

The FBI and San Diego Sheriff’s Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the unknown male responsible for robbing the Pacific Western Bank, 9955 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, California, on Monday, January 23, 2012.

On Monday, January 23, 2012, at approximately 1:35 p.m., the Pacific Western Bank, 9955 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, California was robbed by an unknown male. At the time of the robbery, the robber walked into the bank, approached the victim teller and made a verbal demand for money. The teller complied with the robber’s demands and provided him with a sum of money. The robber was last seen walking southbound on Mission Gorge Road. This robber is believed to be the same individual who robbed the same bank on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

Witnesses describe the robber as follows:

Sex: Male

Race: White
Age: Approximately 40 years old
Height: Approximately 6’0” tall
Weight: Approximately 180 lbs.
Build: Medium
Eyes: Unknown
Hair/Coloring: Grey scruffy beard
Clothing: White t-shirt, blue jeans, navy blue jacket with zipper, and baseball hat

Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 (san.diego@ic.fbi.gov) or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS (8477). You may remain anonymous by calling the FBI or Crime Stoppers.

Carlsbad Man Arrested in “Dying Son Bandit” Bank Robbery Investigation

Keith Slotter, Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego FBI Office, announces the arrest of Steven Craig Hart, age 49, of Carlsbad, California, on bank robbery charges. Hart was arrested as a result of a multi-jurisdictional investigation conducted in the “Dying Son Bandit” bank robbery investigation.

Hart was arrested on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at approximately 12:30 a.m. at his Carlsbad residence, without incident. Hart self-surrendered after the Carlsbad Police Department SWAT team surrounded his residence. Hart was called out of his residence, at which time he was taken into custody by Carlsbad police officers, San Diego County sheriff’s deputies, and FBI agents. Hart’s residence was subsequently searched pursuant to a court authorized search warrant. Items of evidence authorized pursuant to the search warrant were seized in support of the ongoing investigation. Investigators credit a recent tip from the public that led to Hart’s arrest.

Hart was subsequently booked into the Vista Detention Center, 325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, California. Hart will remain in custody at the Vista Detention Center pending his arraignment in State Superior Court.

The “Dying Son Bandit” bank robbery series involves seven completed bank robberies and three attempted robberies. Below is a list of robberies in this series. Robberies with an asterisk denote an attempted robbery.

■November 14, 2011 Navy Federal Credit Union, 1824 Marron Road, Carlsbad, CA

■December 16, 2011 California Bank and Trust, 135 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA
■*December 31, 2011 Citibank, 4120 Oceanside Boulevard, Oceanside, CA
■December 31, 2011 Bank of America, 4150 Oceanside Boulevard, Oceanside, CA
■January 5, 2012 U.S. Bank, 33621 Del Obispo, Dana Point, CA
■*January 5, 2012 Citibank, 23652 El Toro Road, Laguna Hills, CA
■*January 6, 2012 Comerica Bank, 110 South El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA
■January 6, 2012 Citibank, 740 South Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, CA
■January 13, 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, 10707 Camino Cruz, San Diego, CA
■January 20, 2012 Citibank, 24221 Calle De La Louisa, Laguna Hills, CA

This series was dubbed the “Dying Son Bandit” series because the robber told victim tellers that he had a dying son and needed money for his son. The robber also told the tellers that he was armed with a gun and threatened to shoot them if they did not comply with his demands for money. Investigation to date has determined that references to a dying son are false.

Investigation in this matter involved officers and deputies from the following agencies: Carlsbad Police Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Oceanside Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, and FBI agents from the Los Angeles and San Diego Offices.

Anyone with information concerning the “Dying Son Bandit” bank robbery series is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255, or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

An arrest is not absolute proof that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The government still has the responsibility to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.