Beret bandit update

     A Whittier man accused of robbing local banks as "The Beret Bandit" pleaded not guilty yesterday at his arraignment in federal court.

     Rick Thomas Maushund, 31, is scheduled for a Dec. 2 trial at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse in Santa Ana. Federal prosecutors have charged him with robbing the Union Bank of California at 3200 Yorba Linda Blvd. in Fullerton on Sept. 5 and the Southwestern Federal Credit Union at 11749 E. Whittier Blvd. in Whittier on Sept. 11.

     "The Beret Bandit" got his moniker from the FBI because he robbed a Whittier bank wearing a tan beret. The bandit is suspected of robbing eight banks in Los Angeles and Orange counties.