Judge delays trial for senior accused of robbing South Tampa banks

TAMPA — A judge has postponed the trial of James Bruce, the 74-year-old man accused of robbing three banks, because the defense's mental health expert hasn't been available to prepare for the trial.

Hillsborough County Judge Lawrence Lefler on Tuesday moved Bruce's trial to Sept. 13 after defense attorney Jason Isaac said he had not been able to consult with the mental health expert.

Isaac also said one of the bank tellers involved had not been available for questioning by lawyers.

Bruce is accused of robbing three South Tampa banks in a month, slipping tellers notes, always asking for the same amount — $600 — and quietly walking away with the cash. He never used a gun.

It was a Bank of America on Jan. 15, police said, a SunTrust on Feb. 1, and a second Bank of America on Feb. 10.

Bruce told detectives he needed the money for his mortgage and that he planned to pay it back in time.

In February, his financial records showed an $11,095 debt to Capital One Bank and a $66,000 mortgage on the home he bought in 1994, now assessed at about $177,000.

Bruce faces up to 15 years in prison on each count of robbery, with the bottom of the sentencing guidelines at 33 months. But a judge isn't restricted by the guidelines.

A grandfather, Bruce opened a garden store named Something Different on West Shore Boulevard a decade ago with his wife.

Nandini Jayakrishna can be reached at (813) 226-3383 or njayakrishna@sptimes.com.