Cents-less: Florida Man Accused of Robbery After Attempting to Withdraw One Penny from Bank

A Florida man is behind bars after he allegedly tried to rob a bank of one cent in an alleged attempt to get arrested, according to authorities.

Around 2 p.m. on June 29, deputies received a call about an “in-progress bank robbery” at a Chase Bank in Lady Lake, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by WOFL.

Police said 41-year-old Michael Fleming entered the bank and filled out a withdrawal slip in the amount of one cent. He then handed the slip to the bank teller at the window.

The teller reportedly told Fleming he couldn’t be given $0.01, which he advised “so, you want me to say the other word?,” court documents state.

The bank teller then notified law enforcement.

When deputies arrived, Fleming was seated, waiting for them. He was arrested without incident and then taken to the sheriff’s office for a recorded interview.

Fleming, the recording shows, allegedly told police he walked into the bank, filled out a withdrawal slip for $0.01. When he gave the slip to the bank teller, the teller advised such a small transaction wasn't possible, and Fleming allegedly responded,"So you want me to say the other word?"

The bank teller then stepped away from the counter.

According to officials, “The defendant advised he was expecting the bank teller to give him the $0.01, at which time he would then sit in the chair and wait for law enforcement. The defendant advised after not receiving anything from the teller, he just waited in the lobby for law enforcement to arrive. The defendant advised his goal was to be arrested.”

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Authorities said no money was obtained during the alleged robbery attempt and Fleming does not have an account with Chase.

Fleming was arrested and charged with one count of robbery with no firearm or weapon, officials said.

He was booked into jail and was being held on a $5,000 bond.