Is the 'Geezer Bandit' Really A Geezer?
According to the latest news, the Geezer bandit may not be a geezer after all. His wrinkled skin, age spots, and oxygen tank may be only an elaborate disguise. In addition, the "senior" bank robber now has nearly 500 fans on two different Facebook fan pages.
But while the Geezer Bandit has found fame and fans on Facebook, authorities are beginning to think the geriatric bank robber has been carrying on a charade, the San Diego Tribune reports.
As previously discussed, the Geezer bandit is a man, believed to be in his 70s, who is suspected of robbing five banks in the San Diego area.
The suspect was captured twice on surveillance cameras. The gray-haired man has a thin frame and weighs about 150 pounds. He was seen wearing a baseball cap, a blue blazer and several layers of clothing.
Posts on the Geezer's Facebook fan page say things like "I'm down with the Geez! I'm a HUGE fan of the GEEZER!!!" and "Git them banks!! they had it comin'," clearly cheering the bandit on.
One psychiatrist thinks Facebook fans believe they're cheering on the underdog.
But law enforcement describes the Geezer Bandit as armed and dangerous and not worthy of a fan club.
The FBI continues to release surveillance photos of the robber, hoping someone will recognize him. His nine bank robberies are among 55 that have been reported to the FBI in the county, compared with 38 during the same period last year, officials said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at (858) 565-1255, to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by sending a message through its Web site www.sdcrimestoppers.com, or to call (888) 580-8477.
- Calif. 'Geezer Bandit' Finds Fame, Fans on Facebook (Officer.com)
- Bank robber faking 'Geezer'-ness? (San Diego Tribune)
- 'Geezer Bandit' Wanted in CA Bank Heists (FindLaw)
- Criminal Law Overview (provided by D'Angelo & Jones, LLP)
- Criminal Law FAQs (provided by The Law Office of Marc Shelowitz and Andrew Coffey)