The $0.01 Crime: 5 Bizarre Ways Florida Man Tried (and Failed) To Rob A Bank
The legend of "Florida Man" continues to evolve, reaching a new, almost unbelievable peak in the summer of 2024 with a bank robbery attempt that netted exactly one cent—or rather, *attempted* to net one cent. This latest incident, involving a man named Michael Fleming, has once again baffled the nation, forcing a closer look at the unique and often absurd nature of crime in the Sunshine State, particularly how simple actions can meet the legal definition of a serious felony.
The core of the story, which broke in late June 2024, revolves around a bizarre interaction at a Lady Lake bank that perfectly encapsulates the "Florida Man" phenomenon: an unrealistic scheme, a minimal objective, and a surprisingly severe legal consequence. The case highlights not just the individual's strange behavior, but the legal technicality that turns a penny-pinching request into a serious charge of felony robbery.
Michael Patrick Fleming: Biography and The One-Cent Robbery Profile
The individual at the center of this viral story is Michael Patrick Fleming. While a detailed, extensive biography is not public, the arrest profile provides the key facts that led to his notoriety.
- Full Name: Michael Patrick Fleming
- Age: 41 years old
- Residence: Summerfield, Florida
- Incident Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
- Location of Incident: Chase Bank on US Highway 441 in Lady Lake, Florida
- Charge: Robbery with no firearm or weapon (Felony)
- Jurisdiction: Sumter County Sheriff's Office
- Alleged Act: Attempted to withdraw $0.01 (one cent) using a withdrawal slip
- Bond Set: $5,000
Fleming’s actions on June 29, 2024, at the Chase Bank in Lady Lake were anything but typical. He reportedly approached the teller, filled out a withdrawal slip, and requested the minuscule amount of $0.01. When the teller informed him that such a small amount could not be withdrawn, the situation quickly escalated, leading to his arrest and the highly publicized felony charge.
How a One-Cent Withdrawal Becomes a Felony Robbery Charge
The most confusing aspect of the Michael Fleming case for the general public is the legal classification. How can attempting to withdraw one penny result in a felony charge of robbery? The answer lies in the specific and broad legal definition of robbery in the state of Florida, which focuses on the victim's perception, not the value of the property.
The Florida Statute on Robbery
Florida Statute § 812.13 defines robbery not as the successful theft of a specific amount of money, but as the "taking of money or other property... when in the course of the taking there is the use of force, violence, assault, or putting in fear."
- The Key Element: "Putting in Fear": In Fleming's case, the arrest affidavit stated that the bank teller was "in fear of possible violence" due to the suspect's demeanor and actions during the interaction.
- Strong-Arm Robbery: Fleming was charged with robbery with no firearm or weapon, often referred to as "strong-arm robbery." This charge is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, even without a weapon present. The threat, implied or explicit, is enough.
- Intent and Escalation: While the initial request was for a penny, the moment the suspect’s actions caused the teller to fear for her safety—regardless of whether he was requesting a million dollars or a single cent—the crime legally transitioned from a simple, strange request to a serious, violent crime in the eyes of the law.
This legal context is crucial to understanding why the "Florida Man" narrative often involves seemingly trivial crimes with disproportionately serious consequences. The law prioritizes the safety and fear experienced by the victim in a confrontational theft scenario.
The Bizarre Line-Up: Other Unusual Florida Bank Robbery Attempts
Fleming's case, while unique in its requested amount, is just the latest in a long line of strange, headline-grabbing bank robbery attempts in Florida. These incidents contribute significantly to the state's topical authority on the subject of bizarre crime.
1. The Unlocked, Closed Bank Break-In
In a separate, equally strange incident, a Florida Man was arrested for burglary after walking into a closed Wells Fargo Bank in Hobe Sound that was inexplicably left unlocked. The suspect, Colton Vanhonhenstien, reportedly entered the bank late at night, triggering the alarm. While he didn't confront a teller, the act of entering a closed financial institution illegally led to his arrest, showcasing a different kind of opportunistic, yet poorly executed, crime.
2. The Third-Strike Career Criminal
In contrast to the bizarre, low-stakes attempts, Florida also deals with repeat offenders. David Abram Ziesel, a Port St. Lucie man, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2024 for his third bank robbery offense. This case serves as a stark reminder that behind the meme-worthy headlines, serious, premeditated financial crimes remain a reality in the state.
3. The Disguise Failures
Classic "Florida Man" bank robbery attempts often involve comically poor disguises or getaway plans. Stories frequently circulate of suspects wearing ridiculous masks, attempting to flee on bicycles, or leaving a trail of dropped money and personal identification behind. These cases further cement the image of a criminal element often characterized by poor planning and impulsive behavior.
The Societal Impact of the "Florida Man" Phenomenon
The continuous stream of stories like Michael Fleming's has turned "Florida Man" into a global meme, but the underlying topical authority for this phenomenon is rooted in several factors:
- Broad Public Records Laws: Florida has some of the most permissive public records laws in the United States. Almost all police reports, arrest affidavits, and mugshots are immediately available to the media, giving journalists a wealth of bizarre, low-level crime stories that would be suppressed or ignored in other states.
- Geographic and Demographic Factors: Florida's transient population, large elderly population, and high rates of drug-related arrests contribute to a diverse and often volatile mix of criminal activity.
- The Role of Intent: The one-cent robbery story is a perfect case study in the intersection of intent and law. While the intent might have been a bizarre protest or a cry for help, the legal system must respond to the fear created in the commission of the act. The felony charge is a direct result of how the law is written to protect bank employees from any perceived threat, regardless of the value of the demand.
The Michael Fleming case, with its absurdly low demand amount, is a powerful new entry into the "Florida Man" canon. It serves as both a source of dark humor and a serious reminder that in the Sunshine State, the line between a strange request and a serious felony charge is often razor-thin, hinging entirely on the psychological impact on the victim. The $0.01 crime ensures that the world will continue to watch Florida for its next unbelievable headline.
Detail Author:
- Name : Delta Howe
- Username : treinger
- Email : treva.kirlin@becker.com
- Birthdate : 1996-03-05
- Address : 666 Reichel Viaduct Harmonfort, CT 20491
- Phone : 1-425-519-7007
- Company : Mertz, Renner and Halvorson
- Job : Financial Examiner
- Bio : Dolores iste sed repudiandae dolorem. Tempora non odio accusantium laudantium maiores sint enim itaque. Et et eius quo. Ducimus et quod est qui deleniti id.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/eboehm
- username : eboehm
- bio : Consequatur nulla tempore et delectus. Dolorum vitae nisi commodi qui numquam.
- followers : 4067
- following : 2424
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@eldridge_boehm
- username : eldridge_boehm
- bio : Quod adipisci natus veritatis dolorem voluptates. Id odio quod voluptates iure.
- followers : 3065
- following : 1977
