VISTA - An Escondido man accused of holding up a number of small businesses in what authorities dubbed the "Sunset Bandit" series must stand trial on 22 robbery charges, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Joel Chacon, 32, is believed responsible for holdups in San Diego, Oceanside, Escondido, San Marcos and Vista.
Vista Judge Joan Weber found that enough evidence had been presented during a three-day preliminary hearing for Chacon to face trial, which she scheduled for April 27.
Prosecutors allege Chacon would enter businesses such as yogurt and sandwich shops and pretend to make a small purchase. When the clerk opened the register, the bandit would demand cash while displaying a black and silver gun in his waistband.
The defendant allegedly used $350 taken from his last robbery on Nov. 4 to pay rent to his landlord, according to prosecutors, who said a search of Chacon's residence turned up items used in the heists.
The "Sunset Bandit" was given his name mainly for the time of day he often struck.
Chacon -- who's in custody in lieu of $1 million bail -- will be back in court Feb. 18 for a readiness conference.
