Summary Dale Jenkins, accused bank robber, 78, Blurts out to judge: 'I'm Guilty'
SAN DIEGO (Web Desk) - An elderly man accused of robbing a San Diego bank wasn t interested in remaining silent about his alleged crimes.
During his arrest, he blurted out to a TV reporter: "I rob banks. It s my hobby," and told the judge during his first court appearance: "I m guilty as charged."
Dale E Jenkins, 78, was arrested Monday for robbing a Comerica Bank branch by threatening to throw acid in the teller s face, SanDiego6.com reported.
During the robbery, he was dressed in a three-piece suit and fedora. After receiving his money, he allegedly left the bank carrying his ill-gotten loot in a rolling suitcase and was picked up two blocks away, NBCSanDiego.com reported.
Jenkins reportedly netted only $80 from the bank, but it was what he said to KGTV-TV reporter Allison Ash during his arrest that was truly priceless.
"I rob banks. It s my hobby," he said, adding that this robbery was his seventh. "Somebody needs to take care of the veterans in this country."
Jenkins confession spree didn t end there.
During his first court appearance on Tuesday, he blurted out to the judge, "I m guilty as charged and do not want to go through any long trial. I can t live on the streets anymore," KGTV-TV reported.
The judge cut him off, warning him that anything he said will be used during a trial, according to the station.
Despite Jenkins advanced age, officials said there s no evidence he might be the Geezer Bandit, an elderly-looking man who robbed 16 banks between 2009 and 2011, according to the Associated Press.
Authorities suspect that robber was a younger man wearing a mask.
