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Judge refuses to toss remark

By CARRIE WEIMAR
Published April 4, 2007

TAMPA - Jurors can hear the confession of the alleged accomplice of the man nicknamed the Band-Aid Bandit, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Emeregildo Roman told authorities he began robbing banks with his brother-in-law, Rafael Rondon, because he was wiped out financially after a divorce. Roman also said his actions were stupid.

Roman's lawyer, Terry Christian, said those statements should be thrown out because Roman is from Puerto Rico and authorities were speaking to him in English, which is not his native language. Christian also said police threatened Roman's family during his interrogation.

But Travis Avery, a Polk County sheriff's detective, testified Tuesday that Roman never indicated he had any trouble speaking or understanding English. Avery also said no threats were made against Roman's family.

U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday denied Christian's motion to suppress the statements. He also denied a motion to try the defendants separately and to change the venue for the trial.

Roman and Rondon are formally charged with robbing six banks in the Tampa Bay area, though authorities believe they are responsible for 39 heists. Police coined the term Band-Aid Bandit because of a small bandage the robber wore to cover a distinctive mole.

The trial, which is scheduled to last at least three weeks, continues Wednesday with opening statements.

[Last modified April 4, 2007, 01:07:42]