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Man, 70, Arrested In 2 Bank Robberies

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By LISA A. DAVIS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 20, 2008

Joseph A. Bender

PORT RICHEY - Pasco deputies and Port Richey police officers arrested a 70-year-old man they say robbed two banks in five days.

Joseph A. Bender of 7311 Ingleside Drive, Port Richey, was arrested at the Travel Inn at 7532 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey on Tuesday afternoon, after his car was spotted in the parking lot, officials say.

At 9 a.m. Friday, according to authorities, Bender walked into the Colonial Bank at 9431 U.S. 19 outside Port Richey city limits, handed a teller a note that stated he had a bomb, and demanded cash.

After getting the money, according to a probable cause affidavit, he took off. After his photo was released to the media, deputies received phone calls about the suspect's possible identity. Detectives prepared a suspect photo pack and clerks identified Bender as the bank robber, a report states.

On Tuesday, a man matching the same description strolled into the Bank Atlantic at 8522 U.S. 19, again handed a teller note demanding cash and fled. After employees there looked at possible suspect photos they also pointed to a photograph of Bender, according to a report.

Bender was being held at the Land O' Lakes Jail today on two counts of bank robbery. His bail is set at $150,000.

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