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'Double Hat Bandit' Pleads Guilty To Robbing 18 Banks

Bank of Vernal Utah
commons.wikimedia.org
Bank of Vernal Utah

A 54-year-old man known as the "Double Hat Bandit" has pleaded guilty to robbing banks and credit unions in seven states.

Shayne Carson said in his plea agreement filed in federal court in Utah Friday that he stole from 18 banks from Oregon to Iowa. The crime spree went from October 2016, until shortly before his arrest last September.

In many of the robberies, Carson is believed to have worn two hats — typically a beanie over a baseball cap. Several robberies took place at banks inside grocery stores.

Carson said he frequently told bank tellers he had a gun and demanded they hand over money in their till. Officials believe the handgun was a fake.

The plea deal stipulates that he will be sentenced to between 12 and 15 years in prison. Sentencing is set for Aug. 15.