‘Enormous Ears Bandit’ in custody

The suspect known as the “Enormous Ears Bandit” -- believed to have robbed a Laguna Beach bank in 2005 and to have committed 13 other bank robberies -- has been caught in Arizona and is in federal custody.

The FBI’s Los Angeles branch representative, Laura Eimiller, said an Orange County sheriff’s deputy on the bureau’s bank robbery task force tracked Jody Alan Chism to Arizona. Police in Arizona police made the arrest Dec. 8.

U.S. marshals transported Chism back to California, where he is being charged with 14 bank robberies in federal district court, Eimiller said.

Chism, who was dubbed the “Enormous Ears Bandit” by law enforcement because of his large ears, is suspected of robbing the World Savings Bank on Broadway Nov. 16, 2005 as well as other banks along the California coast, including a First Bank & Trust on Main Street in Huntington Beach.

Chism is accused of robbing banks in Los Angeles and Ventura counties as well.

During the robberies, the suspect allegedly slipped tellers notes demanding $50 and $100

bills while holding his hand near his hip to simulate having a weapon.