Cobb ‘lollipop bandit’ gets 15 years in prison

Ralfeal Anton White (Credit: Cobb County Sheriff's Office)

Ralfeal Anton White (Credit: Cobb County Sheriff's Office)

A 29-year-old man who became known as the “lollipop bandit” after he robbed a Cobb County bank in 2015 is headed to prison for 15 years, authorities said.

Ralfeal Anton White of Atlanta entered a Kennesaw Bank of America with a lollipop in his mouth after he threatened to rob a nearby Regions Bank the same day, Cobb district attorney spokeswoman Kimberly Isaza said Tuesday.

In both incidents on July 9, White wore a long brown wig and women’s black sunglasses. He carried a large bag and papers in his hand. A lollipop was in his mouth.

At the Bank of America, White jumped over the teller counter, Isaza said. One teller let out a scream as White demanded money and ordered two tellers to hurry.

When a cash drawer was opened, White took money and drove away, Isaza said. After witnesses called 911, White was seen traveling to Fairground Street in Marietta, where he was found hiding behind a trash bin.

The money was found behind his car, Isaza said. Inside the car, investigators found his identification, clothing worn during the robbery, a cellphone and a Charms Blow Pop.

“This is a defendant whose criminal endeavors have escalated from robbing a pizza delivery employee in 2005, to serving as the getaway driver in a bank robbery in 2013, to now being the sole perpetrator and counter jumper wherein he intimidated bank employees and frightened customers,” prosecutor Patricia Hull said. “This is an individual who simply takes from the community.”

White pleaded guilty Feb. 13 to robbery and criminal attempt to commit a felony, Isaza said. He will serve 10 years on probation after his release from prison. He also was fined $1,000.

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