Federal Bureau of Investigation

Houston Division

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2007

FBI HOUSTON PRESS OFFICE
(713) 693-5229
www.fbi.gov

“MUTT & JEFF” BANK ROBBERS BECOMING MORE AGGRESSIVE IN THIRD SUSPECTED AREA ROBBERY

The FBI Bank Robbery Task Force needs the public’s assistance in identifying a bank robbery duo dubbed the “Mutt & Jeff” bank robbers. The tall and short pair is now suspected of robbing three area banks. With each robbery, the pair is escalating to more violent tactics. The latest robbery occurred at 7:45AM this morning at the Wachovia Bank branch located at 1005 Bay Area Boulevard in Houston, Texas. The armed “Mutt & Jeff” robbers approached two bank employees as they opened the bank. They forced the employees inside the bank at gunpoint and ordered them to open the vault. When the employees didn’t act quickly enough, the robbers placed their guns directly against the employees’ heads. The robbers became increasingly aggressive with their tactics and verbal commands until the employees were able to open the vault. The “Mutt & Jeff” robbers loaded the loot into a black plastic bag and a brown cardboard box labeled “Special Agent Binny”, a term used by the bank to mark boxes containing confidential trash. Before exiting the bank, the gunmen ordered all employees to the ground. No one was physically hurt. The robbers got away in a stolen silver, four-door Ford Fusion. Houston Police officers recovered the vehicle at a nearby apartment complex a short time later. The suspects are still on the loose.

The “Mutt & Jeff” bank robbers are suspected in at least two other area robberies. The first robbery occurred at the Wachovia Bank, address 10009 Almeda Genoa Road, Houston, Texas on 06/25/2007. The second robbery occurred at the First Convenience Bank, address 11701 South Sam Houston Parkway, Houston, Texas on 06/28/2007. During these robberies, one suspect remained in a car while the other entered the bank. Each time, no weapons were displayed and notes were passed to the tellers demanding the cash.

“Jeff” is described as a black male in his early 20s, approximately 5’8” – 5’11” with a thin build and a light complexion. The subject has a tattoo on the left side of his neck bearing the name “Kimberly” in script writing. He wore a navy sweatshirt with a tan or white stripe and baggy blue jeans. He carried a black Glock semi-automatic handgun during the robbery. “Mutt” is described as a Hispanic or white male, 20-25 years old, approximately 5’4” – 5’6” with a medium build and a medium complexion. He wore a navy blue hooded sweatshirt, long pants and a white New York Yankees baseball cap. He carried a black semi-automatic handgun of an unknown make and model. Both robbers wore latex gloves and dark sunglasses during the robbery.

The FBI Bank Robbery Task Force consists of agents from the FBI, officers from the Houston Police Department and deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s office.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000.00 for information leading to the charging and arrest of the “Mutt & Jeff” bank robbers. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 713-222-8477 or the Houston office of the FBI at 713-693-5000.