Granddad Bandit
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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. His method of robbery consists of quietly handing a note of demands to the teller, after which he departs the bank.[4] Other than sometimes wearing a hat, he did not use any disguises during the robberies. 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.[citation needed] 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.[6]