Officer Cantu Accused of Bank Robbery Appeared in Court

SANTA ANA

A former Pasadena police officer made his first appearance Thursday in federal court in Santa Ana to face a criminal complaint for two bank robberies that took place in La Habra.

Wearing tan, prison-issued clothing, Vincent Edward Cantu, 44, of Whittier, stood handcuffed in front of Magistrate Judge Marc L. Goldman. He is suspected of robbing Pacific Mercantile Bank on Whittier Boulevard of $10,978 on June 24 and a Banco Popular branch of $10,679 on Aug. 15.

Cantu wasn't required to enter a plea and a bail hearing is scheduled for Sept. 3. Cantu remains in custody at least until then.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 12.

"By that date, we'll have to have a probable-cause hearing or an indictment, which may be issued beforehand," said Thom Mrozek, spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office.

Cantu's court-appointed attorney, John Early, would not comment on specifics of the case.

On Wednesday, Cantu was taken into custody by federal agents close to his Whittier home. After issuing search warrants, agents searched the home and seized at least two computers, along with personal items believed to link Cantu to the crimes.

Cantu was a Pasadena police officer for eight years before retiring in 1996 in "good standing," according to a department spokesperson.

He is now under investigation for a series of robberies committed by the "polite bandit," including the two robberies named in the complaint, FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller said.

The polite bandit was so dubbed because he apologized to his victims.

Cantu also is under investigation for robberies at two Banco Popular branches in La Mirada between August 2006 and May 2008 and one in Hacienda Heights in November 2006, Eimiller said.

"There are similarities in M.O. and description," Eimiller said. "During some of his robberies, he was apologetic and said he needed the money for his family."

According to witnesses of the Aug. 15 robbery, the robber entered the Banco Popular in the 400 block of East Whittier Boulevard shortly after 11 a.m., drew a handgun and asked for money, La Habra Police Department spokeswoman Cindy Knapp said.

At about 11:14 a.m., officers were responding to the call at the bank when they saw a vehicle matching the description of one believed to have been used in the robbery.

The silver Toyota FJ Cruiser driven by Cantu was pulled over on Las Lomas, just west of Euclid Street, police said.

La Habra police recovered a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun, along with a cap and bandana, which were similar to those used by the robber, according to the complaint.

Cantu was arrested on suspicion of bank robbery and booked into Orange County Jail. He posted bond Aug. 16 and was released, until FBI agents arrested him Wednesday.

Cantu had a permit to carry a firearm issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, that agency's records show. The permit was valid through April 30, 2010.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_10320598