Local News in Brief : ‘Underwear Bandit’ Draws 15-Year Term
An unemployed bus driver, dubbed the “underwear bandit” because he forced women employees to give him their panties during a string of armed robberies, was sentenced Monday to 15 years in state prison.
Bruce Allen Lyons, 33, who pleaded no contest Dec. 19 to 23 counts of robbery, five counts of sexual battery and two counts of lewd conduct, was sentenced by Long Beach Superior Court Judge Richard F. Charvat.
Deputy Dist. Atty. William W. Hodgman said Lyons, a resident of Moreno Valley in Riverside County, robbed at least 23 victims at 10 clothing stores and 11 other establishments--including a video store, a furniture store, a bridal shop and an ice cream parlor.
The robberies, in which Lyons netted more than $3,500, occurred from Sept. 7 to Oct. 23, when he was arrested. The crimes took place across a broad area of Los Angeles County, including Torrance, Long Beach, Pasadena and Glendora.
Lyons faces similar charges in Orange County.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
