The elusive Ukranian-born "Holiday Bandit" who officials believe robbed at least nine banks in the tri-state area during last year's holiday season is expected to plead guilty before a judge today.
Mirat Mikhaylich is scheduled to appear before Magistrate Judge Robert Levy this afternoon. He was arrested in Queens in March after eluding authorities for months.
Officials believe he amassed an estimated $80,000 in a series of holiday-season heists. In one robbery, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound thief even managed to vanish as cops arrived and helicopters searched from above.
Investigators found Mikhaylich after a 2007 Gold Toyota Camry, believed to be stolen by the suspect a day earlier, was found on 91st Avenue in Queens.
Officials believe Mikhaylich was on his way to rob another bank because they found a print-out of directions from his apartment in Jamaica to a Sovereign Bank he'd hit one time before, authorities familiar with the investigation said.
At the time, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk said the arrest "should serve as a stark reminder to anyone who wishes to brandish a weapon, rob a bank and put the lives of innocent civilians at risk: we will find you and bring you to justice."
Investigators said Mikhaylich - who they believe is a heroin user - was arrested a day after robbing another bank in Edison, N.J.
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