D.A. charges accused ‘Snowboarder Bandit’

The accused “Snowboarder Bandit” was charged Tuesday with 12 felonies related to a string of Orange County bank robbers, authorities said.

Michael Brandon Franks, 29, of Riverside County is allegedly responsible for robbing 10 area banks, including branches in Newport Beach and Irvine, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.

He has been charged with 10 felony counts of second degree robbery and two felony counts of attempted robbery.

Prosecutors said in each case Franks wore clothing similar to what a snowboarder would wear, including a beanie, and slipped the bank teller a note saying he had a gun and demanded money.

In total, authorities believe Franks stole $30,000.

Irvine police arrested him May 4 at his Riverside County home, according to the D.A.’s office.

He is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail and faces up to 15 years in state prison.

— Lauren Williams

Twitter: @lawilliams30