New Jersey’s ‘Hat Bandit’ Finally Decides to Plead Guilty to Robbery Counts
A Maplewood man, who officials said went on a 10-month crime spree robbing 18 banks – all while wearing a different hat each time – this week decided to plead guilty to the alleged crimes. According to an article in the New York Times, 50-year-old James G. Madison, nicknamed the Hat Bandit, pleaded guilty to six counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted robbery.
The article states each count carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors are determined to put him behind bars for more than 11 years and compel him to pay restitution. Madison’s sentencing is set for Dec. 18.
What is unique about Madison’s case in addition to his much-publicized obsession with hats, is the fact that he initially agreed to plead guilty, then changed his mind last month. The Times article says Madison’s pastor from Irvington convinced him to cop a guilty plea and show remorse for his actions.
Madison’s arrest in July ended his string of robberies, which officials say, accounted for 16 percent of bank robberies in the state of New Jersey. The hats he had worn during the robberies included a St. Louis Cardinals cap, a Texas Longhorns cap, a ski cap and a hunting cap,. This crime spree was by no means Madison’s first encounter with the law. Madison, who worked as a machinist, was on parole in 2003 after spending 18 years in prison for bludgeoning a woman to death during an argument.
An allegation of robbery is a serious issue. Madison of course, faces serious jail time because of the number of counts alleged and his prior criminal history. It is especially in cases such as these that a good defense attorney can make all the difference in the world. Lependorf & Silverstein’s criminal defense attorney team has an excellent track record of getting acquittals for our clients. We have been to reduce charges in serious cases and have even been able to lower restitution or fines.
We will guide you through the legal process, clarifying your situation for you and help you make an informed decision. If you have been accused of a robbery or a serious crime in the state of New Jersey, don’t wait or hesitate. Call us to discuss your case.
