'Bouquet Bandit' Apologizes For Bank Robberies At Sentencing
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New York City robber dubbed the "Bouquet Bandit" apologized for robbing banks while using plants as props to deflect suspicion.
Edward Pemberton told a judge he was "sorry for robbing banks" as he was sentenced Wednesday to six to 12 years in prison. The 45-year-old pleaded guilty in July to two Manhattan bank robberies. They netted a total of about $2,400.
Pemberton was arrested last summer after a security camera photo of a flower-toting suspect at a Manhattan bank generated front-page headlines.
The neatly bundled bouquet concealed a note that demanded $50 and $100 bills.
Lawyer Justine Luongo noted that Pemberton didn't use a weapon during the stickups. She says drug and alcohol problems prompted his crimes.
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