Bank robbers admit Ramona heist

A couple accused of robbing numerous banks have pleaded guilty to stealing approximately $4,000 from the Union Bank in Ramona in 2007.

Michael Daniel Martin, 28, and Melanie Elizabeth DePalmer, 27, admitted holding up the bank at 1512 Main St. on Oct. 4, 2007. Martin also pleaded guilty to robbing nine other banks and DePalmer pleaded guilty to holding up seven other banks with him, according to court records.

The pair face a maximum term of 20 years in federal prison, although federal sentencing guidelines recommend a lesser sentence. U.S. District Court Judge James Lorenz set Martin’s sentencing for Feb. 2, and DePalmer’s sentencing for March 23.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence Casper said the couple robbed four banks in Northern California, one in Central California, and the rest in Southern California. They also admitted robbing banks in San Marcos, La Mesa, Encinitas, and San Diego.

The losses to all the banks robbed total $37,000, said Casper. Martin and DePalmer have agreed to pay restitution and to forfeit a Ford automobile.

They both remain behind bars in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in San Diego.