Granddad Bandit Explained

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.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Baker . Robert A. . FBI: 'Grandpa Bandit' now tied to 21 bank robberies, including one in Syracuse . Syracuse . en . 1 June 2010.
  2. Web site: 'Granddad Bandit' Suspected In 21 Robberies . WSBTV . https://web.archive.org/web/20100605010041/http://www.wsbtv.com/news/23757821/detail.html . June 5, 2010.
  3. Web site: 'Granddad Bandit,' No Geezer, May Have Hit 21 Banks . AOL News . https://web.archive.org/web/20100605064051/http://www.aolnews.com/crime/article/granddad-bandit-no-geezer-may-have-hit-21-banks/19498748 . June 5, 2010.
  4. Web site: 'Granddad Bandit' on loose, FBI says - CNN.com . edition.cnn.com . 30 November 2020 . en . November 4, 2009.
  5. Web site: "Grandad Bandit" Accused of Robbing 25 Banks in 13 States Arrested . FBI . 30 November 2020 . en-us . August 11, 2010.