The FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department are looking for help in nabbing John Digman, 48, who authorities say has been on a bank robbing spree since his release from a halfway house on July 2.
Digman, also known as John McCue, was released from federal custody after being kept at a halfway house in Juniata operated by the Kintock Group.
He was identified after a supervisor from the halfway house recognized him in surveillance footage on “Catch Me if You Can.”
Digman had just served 6 years of a 10-year sentenace for prior bank robbery convictions. Authorities say he waited just nine days after his release before hitting a bank in Kensington. Faiiing to get cash in that July 11 hold up, he robbed a bank in Center City two hours later.
Digman, whose last known address was at Frankford Avenue and Tioga Street, is charged in four counts of bank robbery, including:
• The attempted robbery of the Bank of America branch located at 1841 East Allegheny Ave. in Kensington on July 11.
• The robbery of the PNC Bank branch at 900 Walnut St. in Center City on July 11. Digman walked away with $1,350.
•The robbery of the PNC Bank branch at 1849 Walnut St. in Center City on July 18. Digman walked away with $358.
• The robbery of the Beneficial Bank branch at 826 East Allegheny Ave. in Kensington on July 20. Digman walked away with $1,000.
Digman is also a suspect in the robbery of the Prudential Savings Bank branch at 238 Moore St. in South Philadelphia on July 22.
In each case, authorities said Dingman presented tellers with threatening demand notes. No weapons were used in any of the robberies.
Digman is described as a 48-year-old white man, 5 feet 10 inches, thin build, with multiple tattoos on both arms including one on his right forearm with the name “Sherry.”
After the halfway house employee identified Digman, police interviewed his mother. She confirmed that the surveillance images appeared to be her son, but said she had not seen him since his release.
Then, on July 18, she contacted the FBI to report that her son had contacted her and asked her for money. She turned him away and alerted police, fearing he would rob another bank.
A few hours later, police believe Digman robbed the PNC bank at 18th and Walnut streets.
He is known to frequent Kensington and South Philadelphia.
The criminal complaint naming Digman as a suspect states that he has an “extensive criminal history for charges ranging from forgery to theft.”
Digman is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the FBI at 215–418–4000 or the Philadelphia Police Department. There may be a reward for information leading to Digman’s capture, and tipsters can remain anonymous.••
Reporter Brian Rademaekers can be reached at 215 354 3039 or [email protected].
