Robbery Suspect Sought by FBI Has Extensive Criminal History

An Augusta man the FBI describes as 'armed and dangerous' and suspected of a bank robbery in Southern Maine is still at large. Police now say he has an extensive criminal history.

The FBI and Maine State Police believe John Cecil Slater, age 66, is the man responsible for the June 23rd robbery of the Hallowell branch of the Bank of Maine. He reportedly made threats during the robbery.

The Morning Sentinel reports that Slater has martial arts training and was a combat Marine in Vietnam. Police are concerned that Slater normally takes medication for psychiatric issues and may not be taking it now.

John Slater is well-known to police, with dozens of convictions in several states. In 1995, he was convicted of two counts of gross sexual assault and is a lifetime registrant on the Maine Sex Offender Registry. He was sentenced in 1995 to 14 years in prison, with all but seven years suspended, for raping two children, one who was under the age of 14.

Bank employees describe the robber as being a white male in his 60's or 70's, 6 feet tall, around 175 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Slater is 5 feet 11 inches tall, 200 pounds,with brown hair and hazel eyes. Police say he has tattoos on both arms and a deformity on his left hand.

If anyone sees Slater, they're urged to stay away from him. Do not make contact. Call the State Police immediately and let them know where he was seen. Tips can also be submitted at the FBI's tip site.