Former LAPD Detective Accused As 'Snowbird' Bandit Appears In Court
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A retired LAPD detective accused of becoming the bank-robbing "Snowbird" bandit made an appearance in court Monday.
Randy Adair was arrested last week in connection with a string of bank robberies in Orange County.
An FBI affidavit suggests it was Adair's own family members who recognized him from bank surveillance videos that were posted online, and who contact sheriff's detectives, saying that he was a heavy gambler.
One day before the call was made, the First Citizen's Bank in Rancho Santa Margarita was held up for more than $1,600.
"After placing Adair under arrest, on Adair's person, officers located $1,120 in Del Mar race track betting receipts ..." the affidavit said.
An FBI agent and sheriff's deputy then showed Adair bank surveillance photos, to which Adair allegedly replied, "I'm cooked; I think I should have a lawyer."
Adair was ordered to be held without bail, with a federal judge saying he is a flight risk and a danger.
Federal agents say Adair was carrying a loaded firearm at the time of his arrest.
If convicted of all five bank robberies, Adair looks at the possibility of a 100-year sentence in prison.