DENVER — A man who was arrested in February for several bank robberies and dubbed the "Powder Puff Bandit" is still at it – robbing metro Denver banks with his 27-year-old accomplice, according to an alert sent out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Paul Hernandez, 33, and Mary Bannigan, were believed to be responsible for six bank robberies across the Denver metro area since Aug. 25, 2020.
Now the FBI says the couple has robbed a seventh bank, the BBVA Compass Bank at 4600 S. Broadway in Englewood on Thursday at 2:59 p.m.
The FBI said a dye pack was given in the Thursday robbery and it detonated. They said it's possible the cash taken will be covered in red dye.
The pair is accused of robbing the following locations:
- Oct. 1: BBVA Compass Bank, 4600 S. Broadway, Englewood
- Sept. 21: First Bank, at 3801 S. Federal Blvd., Denver
- Sept. 15: Key Bank, 7372 W. Chatfield Ave., Littleton
- Sept. 8: TCF Bank, 7203 W. 55th Ave., Arvada
- Sept. 3: TCF Bank, 2090 S. University Blvd., Denver
- Aug. 31: TCF Bank, 7206 Federal Blvd., Denver
- Aug. 25: TCF Bank, 2084 S. Broadway, Denver
In two of the robberies, Hernandez displayed a handgun, according to the FBI. Hernandez is described as a Hispanic man who is five-feet, seven-inches tall with a thin build, shaved head and facial tattoos.
Bannigan is described as a Hispanic woman who is five-feet, two-inches tall with a thin build. She wears glasses and has long dark hair, which she sometimes colors blonde, the FBI said.
Hernandez has been dubbed the “Powder Puff Bandit" after he wore thick makeup to cover his facial tattoos while robbing local banks, the FBI said.
He was arrested in February of this year for prior robberies and was facing charges for the following bank robberies:
- Jan. 17: TCF Bank, 1710 S. Havana St., Aurora
- Jan. 22: Compass Bank, 4988 N. Federal Blvd., Denver
- Jan. 27 First Bank, 7590 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood
- Jan. 22: TCF Bank, 7203 W. 55th Ave., Arvada
Following his arrest, his bond was set at $150,000 over the objection of prosecutors, a spokesperson for the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office said. Late on Feb. 5, Hernandez's bond was reduced to $75,000.
Hernandez posted bond and was released on June 13. He failed to show up for his Sept. 10 preliminary hearing and the court issued a warrant and bond was reset to the original amount of $150,000, according to prosecutors.
He also served time on federal charges related to a 2007 robbery, when he was known as the "Bleach Blonde Bandit." The FBI said that the robbery occurred on Jan. 25, 2007 at a Chase Bank in Arvada. He was linked to another bank robbery in Arvada days prior on Jan. 16, 2007, according to the FBI.
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 on information leading to an arrest in this case. TCF Bank will pay an additional $8,000 on information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
Call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 with any information. The reward is good through the end of September 2021.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Local stories from 9NEWS