Ex-LAPD detective held without bail on bank robbery charges

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- A retired Los Angeles police detective made his first federal court appearance on bank robbery charges Monday.

Randolph Bruce Adair listened to a federal judge with the help of a hearing device. The 70-year-old grandfather, who spent more than 20 years with the LAPD, retiring as a detective in 1988, was restrained with handcuffs and a chain around his waist.

The suspect - dubbed the "Snowbird Bandit" - has allegedly robbed five banks in south Orange County since March.

He was arrested last week after his family turned him in, police said. They recognized him from bank surveillance footage and media reports.

"Typically, the robbers have some type of addiction problem, whether it's a drug addiction problem or a gambling addiction problem or something along those lines. I think even though he was a Los Angeles police officer, he's not immune from those types of things," said Lt. Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

According to a criminal complaint, Adair lived on a fixed income and is a "heavy gambler." After his arrest, officers allege Adair was carrying more than $1,000 in Del Mar racetrack betting receipts dated July 22. Investigators collected evidence connecting Adair to a robbery at the First Citizens Bank in Rancho Santa Margarita on July 21.

According to a complaint, when Adair was shown bank surveillance photo, he stated, "I'm cooked, I think I should have a lawyer."

Prosecutors requested a no-bail status, calling Adair a flight risk and a danger to the community. Adair had a 20-year-old outstanding warrant from an alleged DUI case in Riverside County. A loaded .38 caliber revolver was also allegedly found in his vehicle after his arrest.

If convicted, Adair could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He is set to appear in court on Aug. 10.