FBI charges
suspect for 3
bank robberies

An anonymous tip named
Edward Leiffer, who is still at
large, as the serial robber

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By Nelson Daranciang
ndaranciang@starbulletin.com

The FBI says it knows the suspect believed responsible for at least three bank robberies on Oahu last month and who remains at large.

Edward Leiffer: Accused of robbing three Oahu banks since July 10, including the July 30 robbery of the American Savings Bank Pearl City branch

The FBI filed a criminal complaint in federal court yesterday charging Edward Leiffer, 38, with three counts of bank robbery.

He is accused of the July 10 robbery of the City Bank Kapahulu branch, the July 28 robbery of the American Savings Bank Kaneohe-Kahuhipa branch and the July 30 robbery of the American Savings Bank Pearl City branch.

According to an FBI affidavit attached to the complaint, in the July 10 robbery, Leiffer handed a bank teller a note that read: "This is a robbery. Remain calm. I have a gun. Have a nice day."

The note also instructed the teller to put money in a bag. The robber did not show a gun or speak.

He left with $1,330, which included some "bait bills." Authorities did not explain how the bills were baited.

An anonymous tip later that evening named Leiffer as the robber, according to the affidavit, and the teller later identified him in a photographic lineup.

The FBI said Leiffer walked away from the American Savings Bank Kaneohe-Kahuhipa branch with $1,027, including more "baited" bills.

According to the affidavit, Leiffer showed a demand note indicating he had a gun, though none was shown, and instructed the teller to place money in a bag.

The note also said, "If there's dye packs I'll kill you." The FBI said that Leiffer again left without speaking.

On July 30, the FBI said, Leiffer robbed the American Savings Bank Pearl City branch of $1,276.

This time, the affidavit said, the note he handed the teller read: "I have a gun, give me all your money. Don't piss me off." Again, no gun was shown and the robber left without speaking. According to the affidavit, a man who identified himself as an associate of the bank robber called the FBI and later identified Leiffer as the robber in the July 28 and 30 incidents.

Honolulu police also want to question Leiffer in two other, similar bank robberies last month.