Suspected Palm Springs Bank Robber To Undergo Mental Evaluation
A judge today granted a defense request for a doctor to examine the mental state of a 69-year-old bank robbery suspect who’s married to a former Desert Hot Springs mayor.
Carol Jean Bias is facing two counts each of burglary and robbery stemming from heists at a pair of Bank of America branches in Palm Springs last month.
Deputy Public Defender Nicolas Villa asked for a court-appointed doctor to administer a psychological examination for Bias, the wife of former Desert Hot Springs mayor Alex Bias.
Superior Court Judge Thomas N. Douglass granted the request. The results are expected to be ready in time for a felony settlement conference scheduled for April 4.
Also during today’s hearing, Bias’ bail was cut in half to $25,000, but she remained in custody as of midday.
Bias is accused of robbing Bank of America branches at 5601 E. Ramon Road on Feb. 3, and at 588 S. Palm Canyon Drive on Feb. 23. A weapon was not used in either holdup, police said.
Bias was arrested following the second robbery, after witnesses saw a dye pack in a bag of money explode on her as she was walking through the bank’s parking lot, police said.
