Weird dental news: Ex-dentist suspected in bank robbery spree
A former California dentist is suspected of stealing more than $21,000 from seven banks, according to authorities.
A former California dentist is suspected of stealing more than $21,000 from seven banks, according to authorities.
Police arrested Damian Newhart, of Newport Beach, Calif., at a dental office after someone recognized him from security video the FBI distributed to local media.
The culprit earned the moniker "rolled-sleeves bandit" because he wore button-down shirts with the sleeves rolled up, according to the FBI.
During the robberies, he reportedly distracted tellers by claiming he was a signatory on his girlfriend's bank account and asking them to verify the information. He then demanded cash either verbally or by note, claiming he had a gun.
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Newhart is being held at a Los Angeles County jail with bail set at $50,000.
The Dental Board of California revoked Newhart's dental license in 2014 after he admitted to writing fraudulent prescriptions for Viagara, Vicodin and other painkillers. He was on probation.
In 2013, the district attorney's office charged him with 45 felony counts of forging or altering prescriptions. Newhart agreed to plead guilty to one of the charges as part of a deal with prosecutors. The rest of the charges were dropped. He received 90 days in jail and five years' probation.
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