‘Bad Wig Bandit’ Sought in Series of Bank Heists

A man the FBI has dubbed the “Bad Wig Bandit” is being sought in connection with six bank robberies in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in the last three months.

The most recent robbery occurred in Santa Barbara on Friday when the bandit demanded money from a teller at a Great Western Bank branch at 3304 State St. In the last three robberies he has worn a dark cap with a wig underneath it and sported an apparently real mustache and facial hair.

The disguises vary, however, said Larry Dick, Ventura FBI special agent.

“In the second robbery he wore a real bad wig in that when he walked into the bank everybody knew he wore a wig,” he said. “You either wear a good wig or a bad wig.”

It’s unknown whether the man has hair or is bald, Dick said.

In each case the man passed a note to a teller and then demanded money verbally as well, Dick said. Although he claims to be armed during the robberies, no gun has been seen. The FBI considers the man a professional and believes he probably resides in the region.

He is described as a Latino in his late 30s or early 40s, about 5 feet, 8 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches, weighing about 200 pounds, with a ruddy or pockmarked complexion.

The “Bad Wig Bandit” is suspected of committing his first robbery at the Bank of America branch at 755 W. Channel Islands Blvd. in Port Hueneme on Halloween.

The FBI believes he has struck about every two weeks and has also made off with money from First Interstate Bank, 2860 Cochran St., Simi Valley, on Nov. 21; Home Savings Bank, 3310 Telegraph Road, Ventura, on Dec. 9; Wells Fargo Bank, 270 S. Mills Road, Ventura, on Dec. 23; and Great Western Bank, 619 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Port Hueneme, on Jan. 6.

Anyone with information may call the FBI at 642-3995 or their local police department.