Suspect in Central Coast Bank Robberies Back in Court

The woman accused of robbing several banks up and down the coast appeared in a San Luis Obispo courtroom Wednesday morning.

Cristina Padilla entered a San Luis Obispo courtroom in chains. Authorities believe she is the Central Coast bandit.

She is answering to several charges including robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and evading police.

“She’s charged with robberies of four separate institutions here in San Luis Obispo County. They’re charged both as robberies and commercial burglaries,” said defense attorney Linden Mackaoui.

The preliminary hearing was continued until Sept. 18.

“The reports are still coming in from all the various allegations that are made against Ms. Padilla,” said Mackaoui.

Padilla has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought before her in San Luis Obispo County, but there are more from other counties that could be on the way.

“What is uncertain is whether or not the charges from counties other than San Luis Obispo are going to be filed here in San Luis Obispo County,” said Mackaoui.

Authorities said sherobbed banks in Pacific Grove, Atascadero, Nipomo, Paso Robles, Modesto and Pismo Beach.