A man accused of being the “Bad Grandpa” bandit, who’s believed responsible for as many as 11 bank robberies in Southern California, including four in San Diego County, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to robbery and attempted robbery charges.
James Francisco Saputo — whose criminal record dates back to 1986 — faces more than 120 years to life in prison if convicted, said Deputy District Attorney Jim Koerber.
The prosecutor said Saputo, 50, was arrested twice in January on drug charges and was out of custody on bail when he allegedly committed the bank robberies between Feb. 12 and March 30.
Koerber said Saputo has 14 prior convictions, including bank robberies in San Marcos and Del Mar.
Saputo — who is jailed in lieu of $750,000 bail — will be back in court April 15 for a readiness conference and April 19 for a preliminary hearing.
–City News Service