Suspect Linked to “Golden Years” Bank Robberies Arrested on Unrelated Offense by LASD; Charged with Bank Robbery

A man wanted in connection with five bank robberies in eastern Los Angeles County committed by the suspect known as the “Golden Years Bandit,” was arrested on an unrelated charge and subsequently charged federally with bank robbery, announced Steven Martinez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles.

William McCormick, Junior, 59, of El Monte, California, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery and remanded to federal custody after making an appearance in U.S. District Court today.

Between January and September 2010, five banks were robbed in the cities of Alhambra, Rosemead, and Bellflower that were linked to a suspect witnesses described as possibly being 60 years or older. During the five bank robberies, the physical descriptions were similar, as was the way in which the bank robberies were carried out. In each, a suspect approached the victim teller and passed a note demanding cash in various denominations. The suspect also threatened violence during some of the robberies. The suspect was nicknamed the Golden Years Bandit based on descriptions of his appearance and bank surveillance photographs.

On October 6, deputies with the Norwalk Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arrested McCormick on suspicion of domestic violence. At the time of arrest, demand notes similar to the ones used by the Golden Years Bandit were found with McCormick and LASD deputies contacted the FBI.

After being released on bail from the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, McCormick was arrested on a federal charge of bank robbery.

Currently, McCormick is charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles with a robbery that took place on September 23, 2010 at a Chase Bank, located in Alhambra, California. An investigation seeking evidence of the additional robberies is continuing.

The bank robbery investigation is being conducted by agents and officers with the FBI; Alhambra Police Department; San Gabriel Police Department, and the El Monte Police Department. The bank robbery case will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. The investigation into the state domestic violence charge is being conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

For more information about current fugitive bank robbers, please visit www.labankrobbers.org.