Three of the four men dubbed the "preppy bandits," accused of pulling off a string of armed robberies, were arraigned on new robbery charges Monday.
But despite the additional first-degree felonies filed against them, 3rd Circuit Commissioner Frances Palacios declined to set additional bail and allowed two of the men to be released from jail.Nathan Galli, 19; Aaron Galli, 22; and Adam Galli, 23; were each arraigned on additional charges of aggravated robbery. Adam Galli, 1007 E. South Temple, now faces five counts, his brother Aaron Galli, 435 E. South Temple, faces two counts and their cousin Nathan Galli, 120 S. 300 East, faces four counts of aggravated robbery.
Until last week, Nathan and Aaron Galli faced only one count of aggravated robbery. They were both released to Pre-Trial Services after posting property bonds. Prosecutors argued for additional bail Monday on the new felonies, but Palacios refused and said they could be released on the same conditions.
Adam Galli remained in the Salt Lake County Jail on Tuesday. He apparently fled to Seattle after his brother and cousin were arrested. He was captured July 9 and returned to Salt Lake City.
Christopher Galli, 17, 1212 Shadow Gate Circle, Sandy, faces three counts of aggravated robbery. A hearing was held Monday on a motion to have him tried as a juvenile, but Juvenile Court Judge Arthur Christean denied the motion.
Investigators said the four cousins spent hours planning and executing the robberies. Detectives are looking into as many as 14 other robberies in Salt Lake and Summit counties to see if the foursome may have been involved.
Police have also named Adam Galli as a suspect in the murder of Merritt Riordan, who was shot and killed by burglars on May 17 at the Green Parrot Cafe. Aaron Galli was also booked for investigation of murder when he was first arrested on June 11. No homicide charges have been filed, however, because the Salt Lake County attorney's office does not believe it has enough evidence to charge anyone.