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Convicted felon admits robbing bank near Lake Mille Lacs

Last update: January 27, 2009 - 8:31 AM

A convicted felon from a Twin Cities suburb has pleaded guilty in federal court to robbing a bank near Lake Mille Lacs.

James R. Ardito Jr., 39, of Coon Rapids, admitted Monday to holding up the First National Bank of Deerwood, in Garrison, Minn., on Sept. 27, 2007.

Ardito, who was armed with a handgun, made off with $2,870 from a teller at the bank.

He faces a potential maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, when sentenced on a date yet to be determined.

Ardito's criminal history includes a host of felonies in Ramsey, Hennepin and Crow Wing counties from 1990 through 2006, including robbery, aggravated robbery, check forgery and burglary.

The Brainerd Dispatch reported that Ardito told a police informant that he used the money to buy methamphetamine.

PAUL WALSH

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