Federal Bureau of Investigation

Houston Division

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2007

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

“SPORTS BANDIT” ROBS BANK; IS SUSPECT IN SERIES OF WEST HOUSTON ROBBERIES

The FBI Houston Bank Robbery Task Force is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a serial robber currently active in West Houston.

On August 18, 2007, at approximately 2:00 P.M., the “Sports Bandit” entered the International Bank of Commerce at 7055 North State Highway 6 in West Houston. “Sports Bandit” advised that he needed to speak to a manager, and when told that a manager was not available, he left the bank.

At approximately 3:30 P.M., “Sports Bandit” again entered the same bank, and stood in the teller line. When he approached the counter, he told the teller “Give me all the money in your station, I don’t want to have to pull out my gun.” “Sports Bandit” provided the teller with a blue zippered pouch, and instructed the teller not to give him $1 bills and $5 bills. The teller misheard, and gave the robber only the ones and the fives. “Sports Bandit” asked if that was all the money, and the teller replied that it was all of the ones and fives. “Sports Bandit” laughed, and said that he did not want ones and fives, because that would “defeat the purpose.” “Sports Bandit” told the teller to act naturally, and to smile while putting the money in the bag. He then told her to start talking naturally to the employee next to her as he exited the bank.

A review of surveillance videos shows that during his first entry into the bank, “Sports Bandit” wore an LSU baseball cap. During the robbery, he wore a Houston Astros baseball cap and a tee shirt that said “Football,” thus earning him his nickname.

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies consider “Sports Bandit” a suspect in at least two other armed robberies in West Houston. On August 6 and August 15, a gunman fitting his description robbed two tanning businesses in the West Houston area. That investigation continues.

“Sports Bandit” is described as a white male, 35-40, 5’7” to 5’9” tall, 200-250 pounds, chubby build, with a medium complexion scarred by acne, and a goatee- style mustache. In addition to the Astros cap and the football tee shirt, he wore light colored shorts and white sneakers.

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