The National City robber with the nickname of the Frustrated Fan Bandit — because he wore Chargers and Padres clothing — pleaded guilty April 5 to 17 robberies and faces 114 years in prison.
The guilty pleas to all charges by Ricardo Colmerno Reyes, 35, surprised the prosecutor, as he was ready to call witnesses from among the robbery victims in a two-day preliminary hearing.
Reyes admitted the crimes to San Diego Superior Court Judge Kerry Wells and she set sentencing for June 8. Deputy
District Attorney Jim Koerber said there was no plea agreement involved with Reyes for a lesser sentence.
The five-week robbery series began Dec. 9, 2011, with the robbery of the Super 8 Motel on Roosevelt Avenue in National City. It was followed by the hold-up of the Yum Yum Donuts shop on East Plaza Boulevard and two other stores in National City.
The other robberies took place in San Diego and ended with his arrest on Jan. 18 by National City police. Reyes was using a stolen car during his crimes.
Koerber said he doesn’t know who nicknamed the suspect and noted he had nothing to do with it.
Reyes also pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and to being a person prohibited from possessing ammunition since he is a felon.
Court records show he was convicted of assault in 2002. He remains in jail.
