‘Spelling Bee Bandit’ Englen Faces Multiple Bank Robbery Charges

BOSTON – The ‘Spelling Bee Bandit,’ identified as Jason S. Englen, 34, from Chelsea, has been indicted for a string of bank robberies that terrorized Greater Boston.

Englen stands accused of robbing TD Bank in Arlington on October 31, 2016; Reading on November 5th, Salem Five in Burlington on November 7th, and another TD Bank in Peabody on November 13th. His arrest came in December 2016 following an intensive investigation.

In each incident, Englen allegedly presented tellers with a note demanding cash, noting ‘ROBERY’ or ‘ROBERT’ as his motive. During the last heist, the suspect specifically requested $20 and $50 dollar bills.

Law enforcement was able to link Englen to the robberies after distributing a bulletin seeking public assistance. Englen, who was already in state custody for unrelated charges, was apprehended by federal authorities on December 12, 2016.

The indictment carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 plus restitution. Sentences are typically less severe than the maximum penalties, which are determined by federal district court judges based on US Sentencing guidelines and other factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine is leading the prosecution against Englen, with support from Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; FBI Boston Field Division Special Agent in Charge Harold H. Shaw; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins; and police chiefs from Arlington, Reading, Burlington, and Peabody.

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