Federal and state attorneys are close to settling a case
involving the theft of more than $400,000 from 11 federally insured
banks.
Federal and state attorneys are close to settling a case involving the theft of more than $400,000 from 11 federally insured banks.
Peter Klein, 49, of Aromas, faces dozens of federal and state charges stemming from 11 bank robberies in which prosecutors believe Klein netted about $400,000. Dubbed the “No Face Bandit” by police for his signature attire of dark glasses, ball cap and nylon stockings, Klein pleaded not guilty to 11 federal counts of armed bank robbery but has yet to enter a plea to the 27 felony counts of false imprisonment, robbery and possession of stolen property brought against him by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. Though he was scheduled to enter a plea to the state’s charges last week, Deputy District Attorney Cindy Hendrickson said the hearing was continued pending a plea agreement. Klein is currently in federal custody.
The local and federal cases are completely independent, Hendrickson said. However, the parties are working to devise a global agreement, she said. Hendrickson would not describe the tentative details of the plea agreement but merely said her office and federal prosecutors were hoping to settle the case together.
“It’s better for everyone for the defendant to take responsibility and come to a settlement,” Hendrickson said.
Klein’s charges stem from a year-long spree of 11 bank robberies in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, including four Gilroy banks, according to court documents.
Gilroy police arrested Klein March 27 after they were alerted by an off-duty San Jose police officer stopped at a red light near Chase Bank on First Street, according to police reports. The officer saw customers inside with their hands in the air and believed the situation looked suspicious.
When police caught up to Klein minutes after the call, they ordered him out of his SUV at gunpoint before turning up evidence in his car that linked him to the robbery – a pair of women’s panty hose with the legs cut off, a replica of a Beretta handgun, a pair of cloth gloves lined with blue latex gloves, a cordless screw gun, license plates that were registered to the vehicle and a bag with about $35,000, according to police reports.
Local prosecutors charged Klein with the Chase robbery along with six other bank robberies in Santa Clara County. Federal charges include these robberies along with four robberies in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Klein’s charges in Santa Clara County carry a maximum prison sentence of 27 years and four months, according to prosecutors.
A status hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 27. Klein is also scheduled to appear in court locally 1:30 p.m. July 28. However, the parties may reach a settlement in the meantime, Hendrickson said.