Who is the Ass-Crack Bandit: A Community Mystery

The hit sitcom Community had an evil presence haunting the students of Greendale Community College. This phantom would sneak behind an unsuspecting victim with a quarter in hand. Once that victim's butt crack is visible, the phantom would drop his coin in the crack. The name of this sinister being is the Ass-Crack Bandit.

The Ass-Crack Bandit was first mentioned in season two when Annie Edison ran for school president. She pledged to her fellow students that she will uncover the identity of the criminal. Despite losing the election, Annie was still obsessed with solving the case. The bandit's activity went cold until season five when he targeted Garrett during the opening of Shirley's Sandwiches.

The Clues

With the help of cynical Jeff Winger, Annie follows up on the clues she gathered over the last several months. After Garrett, the Ass-Crack Bandit attacked two more students within ten minutes. According to Annie, that can only be possible with a short cut through the teacher's lounge. So, the bandit is most likely a teacher. Then Jeff figures out that the bandit is a fan of Dave Matthew's Band. One of the letters sent to the dean used lyrics from the band's songs.

Fans of Community can also gather their own clues. For instance, the bandit has to be mentally strange to do what he does. This is made evident by the crimes themselves and the psychotic letters. Despite the mental state, getting away with these crimes undetected would require remarkable intelligence. Also, the bandit would have access to a lot of change, mostly quarters. Now with these clues in mind, we can figure out who is the Ass-Crack Bandit. Let's look over the suspects.

Annie

Yes, she is investigating the case, but that's what guilty people do. They insert themselves in the investigation to look less guilty. Annie has the intelligence and stealth to pull off the attacks. As a model student, she could gain access to the teacher's lounge. Also, when Star-Burns was arrested for being the bandit, Jeff didn't believe he was the guy. But, Annie wouldn't listen and was too eager to move on. Perhaps, she's trying to pass the blame to him. What doesn't fit is the Dave Matthew's lyrics. She's not old enough to be a fan. Plus, her motivations aren't clear. Could it be to get Jeff's attention? Could it be an escape from the pressures of academics?

Britta

Britta may not be smart enough, but she is strange enough. Perhaps, her attacks started as an accident. She made one of her famous "Britta-like" mistakes and was too proud to fix it. Maybe, this was her feeble attempt to pull off a prank. A prank that turned into a good subject for her psychology studies. Towards the end of the episode, Britta was seen writing a paper about the bandit. She mistakenly types "Ass-Crack Britta". Was this another silly mix-up or a sub-conscience confession?

Duncan

Professor Duncan was MIA for almost two years. That's how long the Ass-Crack Bandit was on break. Being part of the faculty makes him a prime suspect. Annie was in Professor Duncan's office when she noticed a roll of quarters. Duncan was also singing a Dave Matthew's Band song. His motivation to be the bandit could be out of pure boredom, or drunkenness. He was known to have a drink or two. However, the British teacher became a victim himself. Was that a trick? Was he working with someone? Does the bandit have a copy-cat?

Chang

In season one, Chang was the school's Spanish teacher. So, he too could access the teacher's lounge. On top of that, he's crazy enough to be the bandit. Chang has tried to burn the school down and faked amnesia. He's also known to use his last name to replace other words. Could the word "change" mentioned in the letters really mean Chang? However, Chang was in the cafeteria when the bandit targeted Garrett. Not to mention, Chang is not the brightest bulb in the bunch.

Pierce

Pierce may be old, but he has the maturity of a child. He could've become the bandit because he thought it was funny or simply to get attention. The poor man always complained to his study group about being ignored and left out of things. Unfortunately, this theory of Pierce being the bandit is flimsy. First off, he was in a wheelchair when the Ass-Crack Bandit was at large in season two. In season five, the gang finds during the bandit strikes that Pierce has died. He possibly had help, but Pierce is too prideful for that.

Dean Pelton

When Annie told the dean that the bandit was a teacher, he was quick to ignore her. He also had a corkboard with pictures of "potential suspects" in his office. Were the suspects somebody he could frame? He did let Star-Burns take the fall. The dean owns dark clothing and a fake butt. This strange man may have an obsession with rear-ends. After Star-Burns was captured, Dean launched one of his famous school dances. Was that just a distraction? If he is the bandit, why did he stop?

All these weirdos are perfect suspects. They may even be working together. Sadly, we may never know the truth. The mystery of the elusive Ass-Crack Bandit will remain unsolved.