CHICAGO — A 51-year-old woman, dubbed the "Shady Bandit," has been charged in connection with four bank robberies.
Authorities said Irene Carrera, of the 8200 block of South Ingleside Avenue, is responsible for robbing three TCF Bank branches on the city's North Side and making off with more than $6600.
Most recently, Carrera allegedly robbed a TCF Bank Branch inside a Jewel-Osco store in the 5500 block of North Clark Street on March 6, according to the FBI.
Officials said she is also responsible for robbing the TCF Bank in the 3500 block of North Broadway twice — on May 21 and November 20, 2013 — as well as the TCF Bank in the 4300 block of North Sheridan Road on February 11.
In each robbery, Carrera would present a bank teller with a note demanding cash and ask for "big bills," according to an FBI statement. Carrera wore big dark sunglasses, which earned her the moniker the "Shady Bandit."
On April 1, Chicago police contacted the FBI after they had arrested Carrera on an outstanding warrant for violating her probation. Police believed she matched surveillance photos from the robberies.
Carrera's boyfriend also identified her from the photos and told investigators she had a "problem stealing things," according to an FBI statement.
When searching Carrera's apartment, FBI investigators found clothes and a pair of sunglasses that seemed to match surveillance footage of the robber.
If convicted, Carrera could face up to 20 years in prison.
