Federal Bureau of Investigation

Houston Division

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2007

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

THREE BANK ROBBERS NABBED THANKS TO TIPS FROM THE PUBLIC
STILL SEEKING “CELL PHONE BANDIT”

Three bank robbery suspects have been identified and arrested thanks to media coverage and tips from the public. Crime Stoppers will be paying $5,000.00 rewards to three tipsters who helped identify “The Count”, “The Flasher”, and “Desperate Dad.”

“Desperate Dad”, whose robbery note contained a tale of hard luck, was identified as Edward James Lyons. He turned himself in on August 31, 2007, after learning that he had been identified and a warrant had been issued for his arrest. He was charged with the March 6, 2007 robbery of the Wachovia bank at 4906 San Felipe in Houston.

“The Count”, who earned his nickname counting backward from ten to zero as the teller put the money in a bag, was identified by a tipster as Terrance Andre Manuel. He was arrested on August 24, 2007, for the robbery of the Compass Bank at 204 W. 19 th Street in Houston.

“The Flasher”, who flashed the tellers a glimpse of a weapon in his waistband, was identified as James Edward Crooks, Jr. He was arrested on August 27, 2007, for the robbery of the Capital One Bank at 7919 Kirby in Houston.

The Houston FBI Bank Robbery Task Force reports that bank robberies are up significantly in 2007. In 2006, a total of 54 bank robberies were reported, 39 in the City of Houston, and 15 in Harris County. To date in 2007, there have already been 80 bank robberies, 59 in the City of Houston and 21 in Harris County. Tips from the public, generated by media coverage, are an effective way of identifying bank robbers.

Therefore, the Task Force is seeking the public’s help in identifying the “Cell Phone Bandit”, who is suspected in at least two area bank robberies.

“Cell Phone Bandit” robbed the Wells Fargo Bank at 17317 North Freeway on June 15, 2007, and the Washington Mutual Bank at 8041 W. FM 1960 on June 29, 2007. In both robberies, she spoke on her cell phone during the commission of the crimes.

“Cell Phone Bandit” is described as a black female, 28-35 years old, approximately 5’4” tall, stocky build, and a medium complexion. During the Wells Fargo robbery, she wore a noticeable dark red wig, heavy flannel shirt, blue jeans, and reading glasses.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000.00 for information leading to the charging and arrest of “Cell Phone Bandit.” 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.