Trial Set for ‘Master of Disguises’ CU Bandit

HONOLULU – A man charged with donning a variety of disguises to commit a dozen armed robberies–including three at the same branch of Hickam FCU–is scheduled to go on trial next month in federal court here. Michael Rosario is believed to be the ‘Master of Disguises’ bandit who carried out his robberies wearing ingenious disguises, such as a wounded soldier, a loudly dressed woman, a construction worker and a nurse in hospital scrubs. His disguises included fake beards and mustaches, wigs, make-up, even false breasts. Rosario is charged with 12 hold-ups, including five at different branches of Hickam FCU–three at the same credit union facility in Kapolei. He is also charged with hold-ups at Hawaii State FCU, Hawaii National Bank, American Savings Bank, Central Pacific Bank and at least one local store. The 41-year-old robbery suspect was identified by fingerprints left on demand note during a robbery a year ago at Central Pacific Bank. After his arrest Rosario was asked why he thought he could get away with the robberies and he said, "Because I had good disguises."