SAN FERNANDO VALLEY : Insanity Defense Rejected, Man Guilty in 9 Bank Heists
- Share via
Rejecting an insanity defense, a jury Monday convicted James Ambrose McGrath of stealing nearly $1 million in nine bank robberies throughout the San Fernando Valley.
McGrath had testified that he committed the robberies, including one which netted $430,000, because God told him to do it.
Jurors rejected the defense and convicted McGrath on 18 counts of armed bank robbery and weapons violations.
When he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harry L. Hupp on Dec. 13, McGrath faces a maximum of 225 years in prison on the bank robbery charges and 165 additional years for the weapons violations.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
