Fugitive bank robber's hunt expanded nationwide

Kenneth Conley, one of two inmates who escaped from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Chicago Dec. 18, 2012, is seen in this undated photo provided by the FBI. / AP Photo/FBI

CHICAGO The FBI has expanded its search to nationwide for a convicted bank robber who is still on the lam nearly two weeks after escaping a federal jail in downtown Chicago, CBS Chicago station WBBM reports.

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Bank robber caught after daring escape

Kenneth Conley and his cellmate Joseph "Jose" Banks escaped from the Metropolitan Correctional Center Dec. 18. Banks was captured a few days later, but Conley has yet to be caught.

FBI Special Agent Joan Hyde said because of the time that's passed since Conley's escape and because he's been known to travel, the search has broadened to nationwide.

"Unfortunately, we've had no recent reports of sightings. We continue to search, we've broadened the search, it is certainly a nationwide search at this point," Hyde said. "The time that has passed has allowed him, perhaps, to travel outside the area. He's also been known to travel in the past."

The FBI is hoping a new picture will help the public spot Conley and turn him in.

"We have obtained a photograph of a rather unique tattoo that Mr. Conley has on his upper right arm. It is a picture of a devil," Hyde said. "While he may change his appearance with his hair, his facial hair, that sort of thing, it would be very hard to remove or disguise that tattoo."

Conley's photo has been posted on flyers at all FBI offices across the country and on the FBI's "Bandit Tracker" website.

Conley and Banks - both convicted bank robbers - escaped from the jail by making a rope out of bedsheets, removing bars from the window of their cell, and chipping away at the concrete around the window to make the narrow opening large enough to slip out and scale down 15 stories.

Shortly after Conley and Banks escaped, a security camera at a private building recorded them getting into a cab. The two then briefly visited the home of one of Conley's relatives.

Banks was arrested nearly three days after the escape at an apartment building, but Conley hasn't been seen since their escape.

[Weallhaveone]

If this is the one with the cash stash, good chance he's in the wind.17 floors with a bed sheet,=large set.

[varigdc10]

How many people this guy killed? None. Leave him alone, he's ok. Go after Busch and chenney for murdering thousands of American kids for NOTHING.

[Stevie851]

Well said.

[help_us_all]

Congratulations VARIGDC10, that's one of the dumbest things anyone has ever stated in the history of mankind. "He's ok"?? YOU sir are a complete moron.

[canislupus16]

Let's see, right after the escape all the officials stated "the time to deal with the break-out, who is at fault, how was it done, etc. is later; right now we have to concentrate on catching this guy." Umm, so what prison guards and whoever else are parties to this have been identified and, frankly, fired? Oh, that's right, public employees, a "personnel matter," no comment. Yeah, and certainly no cessation of employment, pay, benefits, or pension.

[stormerF69]

500 homicides in Chicago,and the FBI chases a Bankrobber?

[kbbpll]

Stupid comment of the day so far, but there's still time.

[judymar14]

I agree with you...How many pedophiles, murders, rapists and other violent criminals out here the FBI could put out a national search for?

This guy has put egg on their faces by escaping, period!