3 bank robberies, 1 suspect

Following two robberies last week, a SunTrust is hit on Monday.

By THOMAS LAKE, Times Staff Writer
Published October 23, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Kenneth Wayne Benzo, 47, is suspected robbing as many as three west Pasco County banks in a week.

The suspect has red hair, light skin, a tattoo on his neck and a penchant for robbing Pasco County banks, deputies say.

Monday, they said he could be driving a purple Geo Metro, sporting the license tag I33-XJH - a car recently reported stolen from Tarpon Springs.

The Sheriff's Office says Kenneth Wayne Benzo, 47, is suspected of going on a stealing wave recently, hitting as many as three west Pasco County banks in a week's time:

-The Wachovia on State Road 52 in Port Richey on Oct. 16.

-The Crown Bank on Mile Stretch Road in Holiday on Oct. 18.

-The SunTrust at 2123 U.S. 19 around 11:30 a.m. Monday, during which the authorities say he followed what is apparently his typical mode of operation. He walked in, showed the teller a note, and walked out with the cash. No weapons. Nobody hurt.

Benzo has spent short stints in Florida prisons four times since 1990, according to the state Department of Corrections. His arrest record includes charges of burglary, grand theft, trafficking in stolen property, failure to appear and driving with a suspended or revoked license, records show.

It was apparently not the same man who robbed a different bank just before 1 p.m. Monday - the Bank of America at 4526 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

[Last modified October 22, 2007, 22:34:39]