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5 tellers testify on robberies, fear

The trial of two suspects in the Band-Aid Bandit case begins.

By CARRIE WEIMAR
Published April 5, 2007

TAMPA - Sandra Sue Holmes can still hear the robber's voice as he ordered her and another teller onto the ground while waving his silver .357 Magnum.

"I just remember burying my face as deep as I could into the floor and praying," said Holmes, who worked at the Provident Bank on Bloomingdale Road in Brandon.

That was 2001, the first time her bank was hit by a man police dubbed the Band-Aid Bandit. In July of 2003, he struck again. This time, he brought an accomplice, Holmes testified Wednesday.

Both wore disguises and carried guns. The accomplice paced nervously and yelled at Holmes for not stuffing money into his bag quickly enough.

"I was in fear for my life and my fellow co-workers," Holmes said. "And that was the only thing on my mind."

Holmes was one of five tellers who testified Wednesday in the trial of Rafael Rondon and his former brother-in-law and alleged accomplice, Emeregildo Roman.

Authorities believe the two, while formally charged with robbing six banks in the Tampa Bay area, are responsible for 39 heists between 2000 and 2006. Roman and Rondon have also been charged with illegal use of firearms and conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday could sentence them to more than 100 years in prison if they are found guilty on all counts.

The trial began Wednesday with opening statements to jurors.

Federal prosecutor Colleen Murphy Davis described the evidence she planned to present, from eyewitness teller testimony to surveillance videotape. Authorities also collected palm prints and DNA that link Rondon and Roman to the banks, Murphy Davis said.

In addition, jurors will hear statements from the suspects themselves. After his July 20 arrest at his suburban Orlando home, Rondon told investigators he learned everything he knew from the television show COPS, Murphy Davis said.

She also quoted Rondon as saying, "Some people do good; some people do wrong. Other people do what you've got to do."

Murphy Davis said she will also call a financial analyst to show how Rondon and Roman used the more than $1-million they netted from robberies. She said Roman spent hundreds of dollars a month on private salsa lessons, while Rondon completely renovated his new home. The pair also played golf together two or three times a week at $50 a round, Murphy Davis said.

Despite the thousands of dollars coming in, Rondon's wife still worked as a postal carrier for $32,000 a year, Murphy Davis said.

Roman's lawyer, Terry Christian, urged jurors to keep an open mind and reminded them his client is innocent until proved guilty.

Daniel Hernandez, Rondon's attorney, had a similar message. He also suggested his client was being framed because of his distinctive mole on his left cheek. The Band-Aid Bandit got his moniker because he frequently wore a bandage, apparently to cover a distinctive facial feature.

"I submit to you that does not mean he is the Band-Aid Bandit," Hernandez said. "It does not mean he is guilty of the crimes he's charged with."

The trial continues today with more testimony from bank tellers and fingerprint experts.

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

[Last modified April 5, 2007, 06:42:07]