Las Vegas police catch convicted murderer accused of armed robberies by tracking stolen iPhone

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A convicted murderer released on parole is accused in two armed robberies and was later caught because police tracked a victim's stolen iPhone, documents said.

James Bates, 53, a 12-time convicted felon, faces federal charges including interference with commerce by robbery and prohibited person in possession of a firearm connected to two robberies in October, records said.

On Oct. 15, Bates allegedly robbed a convenience store on Boulder Highway near Flamingo Road, prosecutors said. Bates is accused of wearing a badge resembling a Las Vegas Metro police badge during the robbery, where he allegedly netted $70.

On Oct. 18, Bates and another man allegedly robbed a smoke shop on Charleston Boulevard near Lamb Boulevard, records said. During the robbery, a man police suspect is Bates yelled at the employees: "Where is the safe? I'm going to shoot you!"

In that robbery, the two men made off with $4,000. The men also stole an employee's iPhone, which police tracked to a southeast valley home, they said.

After surveilling the home, police arrested Bates during a traffic stop. During a search of the car and the home, police said they found the fake police badge and a gun that matched surveillance video.

In 2005, Bates stabbed and killed Jose "Tony Sanchez" outside of a bar. In that case, Bates took a plea deal on a second-degree murder charge. A judge sentenced him to 10-25 years in prison.

The Nevada Parole Board confirmed Bates was released on parole on June 4.

Records show Metro police arrested Bates on Oct. 19. A date in federal court was not scheduled as of Monday.