The Granddad Bandit (also known as the Grandpa Bandit[1]) is a serial bank robber, notable for both his age and proficiency at robbing banks. From 2008 to 2010, he robbed at least 21 banks in the Eastern and Central United States.[2][3] He was nicknamed the "Granddad Bandit" because of his age, appearance, and manner of dress. He robs bank by handing a note demanding cash to the teller.[4] He did not use a disguise during the robberies other than sometimes wearing a hat. He was wanted in 12 states and by the FBI. He surrendered peacefully on August 13, 2010 after a 6-hour standoff with police and FBI agents. He was positively identified as 52-year-old Michael Francis Mara.[5] At 18, Mara was convicted of embezzlement, grand larceny and other charges. He also pretended to be a sheriff when he rented a car but never returned it. The so-called "Granddad Bandit" was once a suspect in the Colonial Parkway killings. In 1985, he robbed a bank in California. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison on May 11, 2011.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ Baker, Robert A. (1 June 2010). "FBI: 'Grandpa Bandit' now tied to 21 bank robberies, including one in Syracuse". Syracuse.
- ^ "'Granddad Bandit' Suspected In 21 Robberies". WSBTV. Archived from the original on June 5, 2010.
- ^ "'Granddad Bandit,' No Geezer, May Have Hit 21 Banks". AOL News. Archived from the original on June 5, 2010.
- ^ "'Granddad Bandit' on loose, FBI says - CNN.com". edition.cnn.com. November 4, 2009. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ ""Grandad Bandit" Accused of Robbing 25 Banks in 13 States Arrested". FBI. August 11, 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2020.