FBI: Armed Robber Targets Stores, Forces Some Sort Of Sex Assault On Victims

Authorities are asking for your help to catch an armed robber who allegedly forces some sort of sexual assault on his victims.

By: | NBC4i.com
Published: December 30, 2008

CENTRAL OHIO-- Five check-cashing businesses have been robbed within the past week, and the FBI has stepped in.

NBC 4's Tanya Hutchins reported with the FAST FACTS Tuesday.

National Cash Advance at 1296 Brice Rd. was the latest robbery, according to the FBI. It was robbed just before 4 p.m. Monday.

The businesses that have been robbed were the First National Cash Advance at 6302 Gender Rd. in Canal Winchester on Dec. 23, Advance America Cash Advance at 1383 Georgesville Rd. on Christmas Eve, Advance America Cash Advance at 1935 W. Henderson Rd. in Upper Arlington on Dec. 29, National Cash Advance at 4740 Reed Rd. in Upper Arlington on Dec. 29 and the National Cash Advance at 1296 Brice Rd. in Reynoldsburg.

The FBI involved itself because the jurisdictions where the robberies took place were talking about pursuing federal charges. The federal charges include armed robbery and brandishing a gun during a violent crime.

FBI Special Agent Harry Trombitas spoke with Hutchins Tuesday. During each robbery, the robber enters the business, jumps over the counter and robs the employees at gunpoint. Once the robbery is complete, the robber forces employees to a back area of the business where some type of sexual assault takes place. The robber then leaves the business and disappears before police are notified and able to respond.

Police said the suspect is between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall. He has a thin build with a scar under his left eye. He wears black pants and a black hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with any information was requested to contact Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers and Advance America Cash Advance have teamed together and offered a $2,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to the identification and arrest of this violent individual.

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