news-record.com

HICKORY (MCT) — The FBI plans to take over bank robbery charges against a man believed to be the "Bearcat Bandit," who robbed a string of banks across the Carolinas including several in the Triad.

Monday, FBI agents visited accused bank robber Michael J. Dolphin, 47, in Mocksville, where Dolphin is being held on charges of bank robbery, attempted bank robbery, carrying a concealed weapon and two drugs-related offenses.

Mocksville Police Detective Jerry Medlin said the FBI plans to take over prosecution of Dolphin, who is scheduled for his first court appearance Thursday.

On Christmas Eve, a man wearing dark glasses attempted to rob a Mocksville bank, but a teller recognized him from photos circulated throughout the state, and called 911. A short time later, police arrested Dolphin after spotting a van fitting the description of the robber's.

Authorities believe Dolphin is responsible for at least 10 bank robberies in the Carolinas since October.

The robber was dubbed the "Bearcat Bandit" because he is generally dressed in a red jacket with a University of Cincinnati Bearcats logo on it.

Medlin said Dolphin, who is from the Cincinnati area, has acknowledged responsibility for the Mocksville robberies. Medlin declined further comment on Dolphin's statements.

Medlin said Dolphin told him he had been driving trucks cross-country for a living but recently had work-related problems.

''He ended up being homeless," Medlin said.

The Cincinnati Enquirer has reported that Dolphin filed for bankruptcy in Cincinnati federal court in December 2003. The paper reported that in 2005, he was ordered to pay Bethesda North Hospital $1,908, and ordered to pay Autonet Finance nearly $7,000 in 2003.