Crime & Safety

'Cotton Ball Bandit' had no Role in Latest Marin Bank Heist, Cops say

A 50-year-old Santa Rosa woman was arrested on suspicion of robbing a Mill Valley Union Bank for $80.

A serial bank robber who’s hit 10 Marin County banks since last December apparently had nothing to do with the latest heist.

A Marin County sheriff's lieutenant said the “Cotton Ball Bandit” doesn’t appear to have any connection with 50-year-old Santa Rosa woman arrested immediately after she allegedly robbed $80 from the Union Bank in Mill Valley on Thursday morning.

Sheriff's deputies responded at 9:32 a.m. to an alarm at the bank at 800 Redwood Highway in the Strawberry Village Shopping Center, Lt. Jamie Scardina said.

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The robbery suspect was still inside the bank demanding money when deputies arrived.

Deputies arrested Lorraine Carstens on suspicion of robbery and burglary when she left the bank at 9:40 a.m., Scardina said.

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Carstens had $80 from the bank in her possession when she was arrested, Scardina said.

Deputies also contacted a man who was standing by a vehicle parked near the bank.

The man knew Carstens, but it was determined she acted alone, Scardina said.

Carstens is being held under $75,000 bail in the Marin County jail.

The FBI has offered a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robber known as the “Cotton Ball Bandit.”

Information can be left on the FBI’s confidential tip line at 415-553-7400. 

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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