Trial Ordered for ‘Rolex Bandit’ Suspect

A computer salesman once suspected of a string of robberies police have blamed on the “Rolex Bandit” was ordered Monday to stand trial in the attempt to rob a Malibu businessman of his costly watch.

Judge Eric L. Labowitz said that based on the testimony of the businessman and his wife, there was sufficient evidence to try Frederick Lewis, 30, on charges of attempted robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

During a daylong preliminary hearing in Malibu Municipal Court, both Bilal and Jacqueline Baroody identified Lewis, 30, as the man who held them up at gunpoint on the night of Oct. 27 as they were returning to one of their Malibu residences.

“He is the gentleman who held the gun to my head. . . ,” said Bilal Baroody, 42, who described himself as an international real estate developer. “If you had a gun to your head you would remember the guy who did it.”

Arrest Criticized

The case has drawn attention because one of Lewis’ attorneys has maintained that his client is a victim of mistaken identity and was picked up by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies shortly after the incident only because he is black. The National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People has also criticized the arrest.

Although authorities once suspected Lewis of as many as 16 West Los Angeles robberies of Rolex watches, he has been charged solely in the Baroody case. The couple were driven to the arrest site about 20 minutes after the foiled robbery and identified Lewis as the suspect, according to their testimony.

Police said last week that two additional Rolex Bandit victims have identified Lewis from photo lineups. Deputy Dist. Atty. Gregory W. Alarcon said Monday that his office will decide this week whether to prosecute Lewis in those crimes.

In a courtroom filled with Lewis’ family members, friends and associates at a Newport Beach-based computer sales firm, Bilal Baroody testified that he and his wife were returning from an evening out when a man held a gun to his head and demanded his watch.

When Baroody refused to surrender his diamond-encrusted Rolex, his wife began screaming, he testified. Then, Baroody said, the gunman turned to Jacqueline Baroody, 27, pulled her by the hair and pointed the weapon at her, threatening to kill her.

Released Woman

When Baroody promised to relinquish the Rolex, the man released the woman, fired a shot in the air and then approached him, the businessman testified. A struggle ensued, and the gunman fled without the watch, according to his testimony.

Labowitz, set Lewis’ arraignment for Nov. 30 in Santa Monica Superior Court. If convicted, Lewis faces seven years in prison. He is free on $3,000 bail.