Spring Hill man pleads guilty in bank-robbery spree

A Spring Hill man pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday for his role in a five-day bank-robbery spree throughout the Tampa Bay area, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Christopher Michael Nelson, 43, pleaded guilty to six counts of bank robbery, prosecutors said.

According to a plea agreement, Nelson robbed banks in Brandon, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Jacksonville and Tallahassee from Feb. 14 to 18.

He was arrested Feb. 20 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, prosecutors said.

At the time, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Nelson was wanted for robberies at a Chase bank in Brandon, a SunTrust bank in Wesley Chapel, and two Wells Fargo Banks in Zephyrhills.

In each case, he handed a note to the teller demanding money, and fled on foot without showing a weapon, according to the sheriff’s office.

A sentencing date has not been set. Nelson faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on each count.