The man suspected of being the so-called “Dapper Bandit” was identified Feb. 15 by witnesses as the man who robbed a bank in Point Loma and a check-cashing store. John Richard Martinez was identified after the crime by witnesses as the man behind the robberies — even without the make-up and turtleneck sweater used by the suspect to cover up tattoos. Martinez, 42, wasn’t wearing a stylish black hat or suit jacket in court, as the suspect did during the holdups. He appeared during his preliminary hearing in jail clothing. Even still, a teller at the US Bank branch at 2150 Chatsworth Blvd. and a clerk at the check-cashing store identified Martinez as the robber. Martinez’ neck is covered with large script tattoos of the words “Shattered Dreams.” The number 23 is stenciled under his right eye and an alleged gang name is tattooed above his right eyebrow. His arms are also heavily tattooed. San Diego Superior Court Judge Amalia Meza ordered Martinez to stand trial on both robberies. She set a May 5 trial date. Deputy District Attorney Melissa Vasel said Martinez admitted to using make-up to cover his facial tattoos, and added the turtleneck was worn to cover up the neck tattoos. Vasel said the “Dapper Bandit” stole about $1,000 from the bank Dec. 27, and about $1,000 from a Mira Mesa check-cashing store on Dec. 20. Martinez, of Tijuana, was arrested Dec. 31 when he tried to enter San Diego from Mexico in a blue car similar to the vehicle linked to the robberies, Vasel said. Martinez’ girlfriend was the registered owner, but she is not believed to have been involved in the thefts. The robber got the nickname after previous bank robberies in Tulare and Fresno, said Vasel. She sid Martinez is also wanted in Los Angeles for a bank robbery, and that Martinez will first resolve the case here before he goes to Fresno County and Los Angeles. Martinez pleaded not guilty to both charges in San Diego. He was convicted of robbery in 1992 and is being held on $500,000 bail.
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