Crime & Safety

Suspected 'Plain Jane Bandit' Captured in Downey

Sylvia Helen Garcia, 38, was taken into custody late Thursday near her home in Downey,

The FBI today announced the arrest of the alleged "Plain Jane'' bandit, who is accused of committing eight bank heists in  Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties in the past several weeks.

Sylvia Helen Garcia, 38, was taken into custody late Thursday near her home in Downey, according to FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller, who said multiple tips led to the serial robber suspect's arrest.

The most recent heist occurred Monday at a Bank of America branch in Downey at 10010 Paramount Blvd., according to Eimiller.

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The bandit was dubbed "Plain Jane'' because of descriptions provided by witnesses.

During the robberies, she would either slip tellers a note or verbally command bank employees to give her money, saying there was an accomplice waiting for her.

Find out what's happening in South Gate-Lynwoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

- City News Service

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