SAN DIEGO -- An Escondido man accused of robbing up to 30 small businesses in San Diego County in what authorities dubbed the "Sunset Bandit" series pleaded not guilty Tuesday to six counts of armed robbery.

More charges are expected against Joel Chacon, 32, said Deputy District Attorney Amy Maund.

Chacon was arraigned before Vista Superior Court Judge Joe Littlejohn, who ordered the defendant held on $1 million bail.

Chacon is believed to be responsible for at least nine holdups in the city of San Diego, seven in Oceanside, two in Escondido and nine in San Marcos and Vista.

Maund alleged that Chacon would enter businesses such as yogurt and sandwich shops and pretend to make a small purchase.

When the clerk opened the register, the defendant would allegedly demand cash while displaying a black and silver gun in his waistband, Maund said.

The defendant allegedly used $350 taken from his last robbery on Nov. 4 to pay rent to his landlord, the prosecutor said.

A search of Chacon's residence turned up items allegedly used in the robberies, Maund said.

The "Sunset Bandit" was given his name mainly for the time of day he often struck, authorities said.

Chacon, who was on probation for auto theft when he was arrested, faces nine years in state prison if convicted as currently charged, the prosecutor said.

A readiness conference was set for Nov. 24 and a preliminary hearing for Nov. 30.