‘Flip Flop Bandit’ admits robbing Illinois bank

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — A woman faces up to 20 years in federal prison in a southern Illinois bank robbery that earned her the moniker the “Flip Flop Bandit” for the bright green footwear she wore during the holdup.

Forty-three-year-old Carla Walker of Lebanon pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of bank robbery and also faces up to $250,000 in fines.

Walker admitted she robbed the First Federal Savings Bank of Lebanon on March 26 after pointing a pellet gun at the bank tellers.

Authorities say Walker fled with $14,000 to $16,000 after ordering the tellers to the ground.