'Granddad Bandit' to plead in Al., Ark. robberies

RICHMOND, Va. – The so-called "Granddad Bandit" suspected of robbing 25 banks in 13 states has told court officials he will plead guilty to three heists in Alabama and Arkansas.

Michael Francis Mara is being held in Virginia facing two bank robbery charges. His trial is scheduled Jan. 13.

Mara signed court papers in December seeking to move charges related to one robbery in Arkansas and two in Alabama to Virginia so he can plead guilty and be sentenced here.

The FBI dubbed the balding and graying suspect the "Granddad Bandit."

The 53-year-old Mara was arrested at his Louisiana home in August after a six-hour standoff with police.

Mara's attorney declined to comment. There was no word whether Mara would change his plea in the Virginia cases.