Reward offered for information on ‘Spelling Bee Bandit’

Authorities are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a bank robber dubbed the “Spelling Bee Bandit,” due to the misspelled notes he hands bank tellers during the robberies.

The man has targeted four area banks within the past three weeks, with the latest robbery taking place at the TD Bank on Lynnfield Street in Peabody on Sunday, according to an FBI “Wanted” poster.

He is also believed to have robbed banks in Arlington, Reading, and Burlington.

In each case, the suspect enters the bank wearing sunglasses, writes “Robery” [sic] on the back of a withdrawal slip, and passes the note to the teller, according to the FBI, which said he has become more aggressive with the tellers in each subsequent robbery.

The man is described as white with dark hair and a slim build, 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 2 inches tall, and 160 pounds. He is believed to be in his late 30s to early 40s.

Witnesses described the suspect as having short hair, a thin face, a beard, and a local accent. During the Peabody robbery, he was wearing jeans, a dark jacket, dark sneakers with white soles, sunglasses, and a white New England Patriots hat.

The $1,000 reward is being offered by the MassMostWanted Tip Program. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI Boston Division’s Violent Crimes Task Force at 1-857-386-2000.