| For Immediate Release Case # 11HF1723 July 12, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
THIRD-STRIKER “DRIFTER BANDIT” TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR ROBBING FOUR SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY BANKS BETWEEN MAY AND JUNE
SANTA ANA – The third-striker “Drifter Bandit” will be arraigned today for robbing four South Orange County banks between May and June in 2011. Michael David Marano, 45, Santa Ana, is charged with four felony counts each of second degree robbery and second degree commercial burglary, and sentencing enhancements for eight prior strike convictions for five 1988 robberies, one 2011 robbery, and two 1988 assaults using a firearm. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of 110 years to life in state prison. The defendant is being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned today July 12, 2011, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.
On May 3, 2011, Marano is accused of entering a Chase Bank in San Juan Capistrano. He is accused of presenting a note which stated “bank robbery” and demanding money from the teller. He is accused of taking cash from the teller and fleeing the scene.
On May 26, 2011, Marano is accused of entering a U.S. Bank in Dana Point. He is accused of saying “bank robbery” to the teller, and demanding money. He is accused of taking cash from the teller and fleeing the scene.
On July 5, 2011, Marano is accused of entering a Citibank in Laguna Niguel. He is accused of saying “bank robbery” to the teller, and demanding money. He is accused of taking cash from the teller and fleeing the scene.
The next day, July 6, 2011, Marano is accused of entering a Farmers & Merchants Bank in San Juan Capistrano. He is accused of saying “bank robbery” to the teller, and demanding money. He is accused of taking cash from the teller and fleeing the scene.
From the four bank robberies, Marano is accused of taking a total of over $30,000. This case was jointly investigated by the FBI and the OCSD, through the task force Bank Robbery Apprehension Team (BRAT). The defendant was named the “Drifter Bandit” to create public awareness. At approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 8, 2011, Marano was pulled over in his vehicle and arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), who had the defendant under surveillance.
Deputy District Attorney Nicole Varner is prosecuting this case.
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