A man dubbed the 'bling-bandit' for the flashy watch and ring he wore while robbing banks is now in custody, but he's not the usual suspect.

The bling-bandit turned out to be Athelson Kelson, 59, a retired New York Police Department detective and a decorated Vietnam Veteran.

Michael Palladino, the head of the Detectives' Endowment Association told reporters he is "shocked" and that Kelson's behavior is out of character.

Kelson's mother, though, told the press that her son had been having mental problems recently, including bad memories of his time in Vietnam. She said his unrest has been increasing since his marriage dissolved in 2005, and more-so after being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer in 2007.

Kelson is accused of robbing at least four banks in the New York area. Reportedly, he did little to hide his appearance, merely donning a baseball cap and sunglasses, and wearing a distinguishing ring that is given to detectives upon retirement. Police say he was easily recognizable in the surveillance videos.

If convicted Kelson, who served the NYPD for 20 years, could go to prison for seven years.