EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks to PP Blog reader “Tony” for a heads-up on this:
Joseph “Jose” Banks, a purported “sovereign citizen” convicted of bank robbery earlier this month, has been captured after his escape from a federal jail in Chicago on Tuesday, the FBI told the Associated Press.
A manhunt for alleged fellow escapee Kenneth Conley continues.
Also see: Chicago Tribune story on capture of Banks.
ABC 7 video report:
BULLETIN: Two inmates escaped from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Chicago earlier today, the FBI said.
One of the escapees — Jose Banks — is a purported “sovereign citizen” who got a mention on the PP Blog Dec. 15.
Banks, a convicted bank robber, is considered “armed and dangerous,” the FBI said.
Also considered armed and dangerous is Kenneth Conley, who apparently escaped with Banks this morning. Conley, too, is a bank robber, the FBI said. He is described as “male/white, age 38, 6’0” tall, 185 pounds.”
Banks is described as “male/black, age 37, 5’8” tall, 160 pounds,” the FBI said.
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Banks was convicted just last week and told a federal judge, “I’ll be seeking retribution as well as damages.”
From a Tribune Breaking News report (italics added):
Two convicted bank robbers escaped from the federal Metropolitan Correctional Center in the Loop this morning by tying bedsheets together and shimmying down at least 15 stories to the ground below, officials say.
A “widespread manhunt” is under way, the FBI said.
Banks and Conley are “believed to be traveling together” and “were reportedly last seen earlier this morning in the Tinley Park area, the FBI said.
They are “both convicted bank robbers” and “should be considered armed and dangerous,” the FBI said.
“If you see them, contact local law enforcement or the Chicago Field Office of the FBI at 312-421-6700,” the FBI said.
Link to FBI statement.