KANSAS CITY, MO—Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing Bank of America.

Lorene Harris, 54, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to the charge contained in an Aug. 26, 2014, federal indictment.

By pleading guilty today, Harris admitted that he stole $3,000 from Bank of America, 6320 Prospect Ave., Kansas City, on Aug. 4, 2014. Harris cut in front of everyone in line when he entered the bank and told a teller to “give me the money.” The teller asked Harris if this was a robbery and he responded that he was robbing the bank. The teller asked if he had a “note or something” and Harris told the teller he could write a note. Harris requested a piece of paper, then passed the note and asked for the money. However, when the teller put about $5,000 dollars on the counter, Harris told her to give him less. The teller took approximately $2,000 back and Harris took the remaining money.

Harris then asked what he should do next. He indicated he would wait outside; however; he fled from the bank on foot.

Harris was identified after bank surveillance photos appeared on the news. The following day, Harris was arrested by Raytown, Mo., police officers who were dispatched with paramedics to a convenience store. Harris, who was complaining of chest pains, told officers he robbed Bank of America the day before.

Under federal statutes, Harris is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce E. Clark. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.