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Band-Aid Bandit case goes to trial next week

Rafael Rondon and Emeregildo Roman are charged with robbing six area banks in a case that puzzled police for years.

By CARRIE WEIMAR
Published March 30, 2007

TAMPA - Despite some unresolved issues regarding their defense, the man police believe is the Band-Aid Bandit and his accomplice are headed to trial next week.

Rafael Rondon, 47, and his former brother-in-law, Emeregildo Roman, 54, have been formally charged with robbing six banks in the Tampa Bay area, although authorities believe they are responsible for 39 robberies. They also face gun charges.

The so-called Band-Aid Bandit eluded authorities for more than six years. The robber was given the nickname because he was frequently seen on surveillance tapes with an adhesive bandage covering a large mole on his face.

Jury selection is scheduled for Monday. The trial is expected to last at least three weeks.

Last week, Rondon's attorney, Daniel Hernandez, filed a request for a change of venue, saying the case's notoriety made it impossible for his client to receive a fair trial.

Roman's attorney, Terry Christian, filed two motions: one asking that Roman be tried separately from Rondon, the other seeking to suppress statements his client made to investigators.

U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday had called a 9 a.m. hearing Thursday on the motions but continued the matter until Tuesday, after the jury has been selected.

Christian argued that Roman's statements should be thrown out because he is from Puerto Rico, and English is not his native language. He said Roman became confused by investigators' reference to his Miranda rights, specifically the right to remain silent, because his stepdaughter's last name is Miranda. But Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Murphy Davis said officers never used the word "Miranda" while advising Roman of his rights.

"Both officers indicated they do not tell suspects they are being advised of their Miranda warnings because most suspects would not understand the legal connotations of such a statement," she wrote in a response filed Wednesday.

Murphy Davis went on to reveal more of what Roman told law enforcement agents on the morning of his arrest, July 20.

When asked why he had robbed banks with Rondon, Roman said, "Stupidity." Then he buried his face in his hands and cried.

He told investigators he participated in three bank robberies but wouldn't reveal how much money he received. Murphy Davis wrote that Roman "stated he was going to use the money to buy a new truck in order to get back in business as a truck driver."

Roman also said he needed money because was wiped out by his divorce from Rondon's sister.

At one point, Roman asked for a lawyer, and law enforcement officers halted the interview. Then Roman asked whether his family members were to be questioned. When the officers said yes, Roman waived his request for a lawyer and continued talking.

Rondon and Roman were arrested July 20 after agents raided their suburban Orlando homes. At Rondon's, they found disguises, unexploded dye packs, nearly $90,000 still wrapped in bank bands and a box of Band-Aids.

Carrie Weimar can be reached at 813 226-3416 or cweimar@sptimes.com.

[Last modified March 30, 2007, 00:40:44]