Deputies seek Brandon man, 36, in credit union robbery

BRANDON — Deputies are seeking the public's help to find a man they believe stole cash from a Grow Financial credit union Thursday afternoon.

Jeffrey Michael Cooper, 36, is suspected in the robbery of Grow Financial at 1009 Providence Road. Cooper is a three-time violent offender who has done three stints and served more than seven years in Florida State Prison, according to state records.

Deputies say Cooper entered the credit union at about 4:30 p.m. and demanded money from the teller. The teller handed over an undisclosed amount of cash, and Cooper fled, deputies said.

Cooper is white, with green eyes and short brown hair, about 5-feet-10, and weighs about 155 pounds. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a long-sleeve navy sweater or jacket, dark jeans and white sneakers. His last known address is 806 Louise St. in Brandon, officials said.

Cooper was most recently released from state prison in 2009 after serving more than a year for a bank robbery, deputies said.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office asked anyone with information to call (813) 247-8200 or call the anonymous tip line, tollfree 1-800-873-8477.