Jury convicts mastermind in 'Barbie Bandits' case

MARIETTA, Ga. - A jury convicted the mastermind behind the so-called ``Barbie Bandits'' bank robbery on one count of theft by taking yesterday.

Michael Darrell Chastang and three other defendants in the case will be sentenced March 19th in Cobb County Superior Court for the February 2007 heist.

Authorities say Chastang was behind the robbery and put Ashley Miller and Heather Johnston in touch with the bank teller, who police say was part of the scheme.

Chastang's family and his lawyer, Joseph Shaw, declined comment.

Miller and Johnston made headlines after they were videotaped wearing sunglasses and laughing as they appeared to steal nearly $11,000 from a Bank of America in Acworth. But police say what at first looked like a bank robbery turned out to be a theft involving a complicit teller, Benny Herman Allen the Third. They were arrested days later.

Authorities said the four had split the money.

Miller testified Thursday during Chastang's trial that stealing money from a bank was ``a bad idea'' and the -- quote -- ``worst decision I ever made.''

Miller also testified that she and Chastang were romantically involved.

Johnston, Miller and Allen have pleaded guilty to theft charges in the case and testified against Chastang.