`Tootsie Bandit’ pleads guilty to robbing two banks and trying to rob a third

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A cross-dressing bank robber dubbed the “Tootsie Bandit” because he wore a wig, sunglasses and makeup during one of three heists pleaded guilty Tuesday to robbery and attempted robbery charges.

Robert Deon Tyndall II, 56, faces a maximum of seven years and eight months in prison when he is sentenced April 6 by Judge Theodore Weathers.

At Tyndall's arraignment last month, Deputy District Attorney Dennis Panish told Judge David Szumowski that Tyndall dressed like a woman and robbed the Inland Federal Credit Union in El Cajon last July 16.

In that holdup, Tyndall simulated a gun and got away with $66,000, the prosecutor said.

Panish said Tyndall also tried to rob a Comerica Bank branch in the Point Loma area on Jan. 24.

In that robbery, the suspect said he had a gun but left when the bank manager refused to let him into a bank office, the prosecutor said.

Panish said Tyndall also robbed a Torrey Pines Bank branch in Kearny Mesa on Feb. 1.

In that holdup, Tyndall displayed what looked like a revolver with a long barrel, threatened to shoot anyone who turned around and got away with more than $6,000, according to the prosecutor.

A subsequent search of Tyndall's Hillcrest residence turned up more than $4,000, but the rest of the stolen money is unaccounted for and no gun has been recovered, Panish said.