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‘Double Hat Bandit’ pleads guilty to robbing 18 banks

The “Double Hat Bandit” is suspected of committing more than a dozen bank robberies in six states, including in Spokane. (FBI)
Associated Press
The “Double Hat Bandit” is suspected of committing more than a dozen bank robberies in six states, including in Spokane. (FBI)

SALT LAKE CITY – A 54-year-old man known as the “Double Hat Bandit” has pleaded guilty to robbing banks and credit unions in seven states, as well as Spokane.

Shayne Carson said in his plea agreement filed in federal court in Utah on 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.

Among the crimes in Spokane are the robberies of the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union inside the Safeway store at 933 E. Mission Ave. on Jan. 3, 2017, and the Alaska USA inside the Shadle Safeway at 2507 W. Wellesley Ave. on Jan. 3, 2017, and again on June 27.

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.