FBI Nabs Suspected Laguna Niguel Serial Bank Robber, the "Bad Grandpa"

Federal investigators believe they’ve nabbed the serial bank robber known as the “Bad Grandpa Bandit.”

Federal Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Laura Eimiller confirmed Tuesday that 50-year-old James Saputo is the man suspected of robbing 11 banks in San Diego, the Inland Empire, and Orange County including banks in Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Tustin and Costa Mesa.

Saputo was arraigned and pleaded not guilty in a San Diego courtroom this month. He has a long rap sheet dating back to the 80s. According to The San Diego Union Tribune, it includes carrying a concealed weapon, manufacturing drugs, possession of stolen property, forgery, multiple parole violations, child cruelty, felony evading and assault on a police officer.

The FBI dubbed the bank robber the “Bad Grandpa” because he wore a disguise including a wig, glasses, hat, and a cane, according to Eimiller. He has been seen fleeing several of the robberies in a black SUV.

In the March Mission Viejo robbery, the “Bad Grandpa” robbed the Chase Bank branch on Alicia Parkway, handing the teller a note and fled with the cash.