ICYMI: 'Spelling Bee Bandit' Arrested, Charged With Arlington Robbery

ARLINGTON, MA — The man accused of robbing the TD Bank in Arlington back in October was arrested Monday. Jason S. Englen, 34, of Chelsea is charged with the Arlington robbery; as well as robberies in Burlington, Reading and Peabody.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, a suspect identified as Englen entered the TD Bank in Arlington, approached a teller and presented a note with the word "Robery" written on it. The telller handed him money from the drawer and he fled the bank.

“Investigating this case took time, patience and commitment from all agencies involved,” Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan said. “I commend Arlington Police for their diligent work and collaboration with the FBI. Together we were able to bring this man to justice for his crimes.”

The U.S. Attorney's office indicates that nearly identical incidents occurred in Reading, Burlington and Peabody. During each of the incidents, the man handed the teller a note with the word "Robery" or "Robert" demanding cash.

The FBI dubbed the suspect the "Spelling Bee Bandit" due to the misspelled notes that were passed to tellers. After each of the alleged incidents, surveillance pictures were circulated across the state.

Authorities were able to identify Englen as the suspect of the robberies, and learned that Englen was already in state custody on unrelated charges. If convicted, Englen could face a sentence of up to 20 years and prison, three years supervised lease, a fine of $250,000.

Image via the FBI