Bank robber convicted of four heists in second trial

A serial bank robber who served as his own attorney and expressed glee over a mistrial in December did not fare as well the second time around, earning four robbery convictions Monday evening from a Chester County jury.

The panel concluded that Jason Ray Rayford, 34, of East Coventry Township, robbed four banks from September 2006 through March 2007, one each in Easttown, North Coventry, Tredyffrin and Uwchlan Townships. He will be sentenced later by Judge Anthony A. Sarcione.

After his first trial, Rayford said he planned to celebrate his mistrial. Prosecutors questioned the wisdom of Rayford's response since he is facing at least a 5- to 10-year minimum mandatory term for the October robbery of a King of Prussia credit union and awaiting trial in connection with two other Montgomery County bank robberies.

- Kathleen Brady Shea