Episode 09 — Eddie Dodson: The Gentleman Bandit

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Mugshot Mysteries: Episode 9

The Gentleman Bandit - Eddie Dodson

Episode Summary
In the 1980s, Eddie Dodson went from Melrose Avenue antique dealer to the most prolific bank robber in FBI history. Known as the “Gentleman Bandit,” he robbed 64 banks in nine months with nothing but a Yankees cap, a note, and a polite apology. But beneath the style was heroin addiction, prison time, a sad comeback as the “Down-and-Outer,” and a legacy that still fascinates Hollywood and true-crime fans alike.

📰 Case Sources

• Los Angeles Times Obituary (2003): Eddie’s death, 64 robberies, six in one day, relapse.
   https://www.newspapers.com/image/189963275/
• Los Angeles Times Feature (1991): L.A.’s bank-robbery epidemic, FBI nicknames, Eddie’s polite M.O.
   https://www.newspapers.com/image/175342582/
• Turlock Journal (1984): Capture after his spree.
   https://www.newspapers.com/image/1102859507/
• The Lompoc Record (1984): Trial and sentencing details.
   https://www.newspapers.com/image/540641317/
• Sydney Morning Herald (1984): International coverage, “most prolific bandit of modern times.”
   https://www.newspapers.com/image/122670510/
• Asheville Citizen-Times (1987): Retrospective on his record.
   https://www.newspapers.com/image/198118980/
• Charlotte Observer (2014): Hollywood adaptation (Electric Slide).
  https://www.newspapers.com/image/645998726/

🧠 Psychology & Cultural Concepts

• Addiction vs. Agency
  American Psychological Association — What defines compulsion vs. choice:
  https://dictionary.apa.org/addiction

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Drugs and decision-making:
 https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain

• The Gentleman Bandit Illusion
  Oxford Reference — “Folk hero” outlaw archetypes:
  https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095914348

JSTOR Daily — Why culture romanticizes “dashing” criminals:
 https://daily.jstor.org/why-we-love-the-outlaw-hero/

• Persona Collapse
  PsychCentral — What happens when self-image and reality collide:
  https://psychcentral.com/health/identity-crisis

APA PsycNet — Identity, aging, and loss of role:
 https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-06673-006

📸 Case Files & Extras

Follow us on Instagram & TikTok (@MugshotMysteriesPodcast) to see:

• Dodson’s mugshots from both sprees
• Clippings from his 1984 arrest & trial
• His vintage “Dodson’s” antique shop card

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Thanks for listening. We’ll see you next time with another face… and another mystery.