Cooney, Cecelia (1904–1969)
Cooney, Cecelia (1904–1969)
American bandit. Name variations: Bobbed-Haired Bandit. Born Cecelia Roth in New York, NY, 1904, possibly Feb 12; possibly died Oct 1969 in Kingston NY; m. Edward Cooney (fellow bandit).
Robbed a string of Brooklyn stores with husband to raise money for a child she was carrying (Jan 5-April 1, 1924); while storeowners began to arm themselves in response to their exploits (and those of copycat bandits), became known among authorities, press, and public as the Bobbed-Haired Bandit; at 20 years old, was a highly romanticized figure by time of arrest with husband in Jacksonville, Florida (April 21, 1924); with husband, confessed to 10 armed robberies and served 6 years before being released (1931). At their sentencing, they reportedly thanked the judge and commented on the correctness of sending them to prison.