"Granddad Bandit" Captured: Accused of St. Louis Bank Robbery, 24 More Nationwide

Michael Francis Mara, a.k.a. the "Granddad Bandit" due to his balding gray dome and somewhat elderly appearance, was arrested yesterday in his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Mara, 52, is accused of robbing 25 banks in 13 states since January 2009. On May 18 of this year, Mara allegedly robbed the Regions Bank at 5600 S. Lindbergh in south St. Louis County.

In recent months, Mara's mugshot has been plastered on digital billboards throughout St. Louis and across the country. In announcing Mara's arrest yesterday, FBI special agent Michael Morehart credited the publicity campaign in helping to lead to Mara's capture.

"This arrest would not have been possible without the assistance of civic-minded citizens and the publicity provided by radio stations, print media and the coordination of digital billboards by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America," said Morehart in a statement.

Earlier this month a tipster provided the FBI with clues that led to Mara's capture. If convicted, Mara could spend 20 years in prison.