HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The main suspect Hillsborogh County deputies believe robbed a bank in Valrico, carjacked a 68-year-old man and lead police on pursuit has a deep criminal past.
The ABC Action News I-Team began digging through 39-year-old James Hanson's criminal past as soon as his name was released.
We learned, at one time, Hanson was serving a life sentence for robbery and being a habitual violent felony offender.
RELATED: Missing carjacking victim found dead
In 2003, a jury convicted him of robbery with a fire arm and sentenced him to life in prison.
In 2016, he appealed that sentence claiming ineffective counsel.
His sentence was reduced to 20 years, with the possibility of parole after 15.
He served 16 years and was released on July 2.
According to documents from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Hanson has been charged in the past with burglary with assault and battery, pass forged, larceny, burglary of dwelling with assault,
burglary of dwelling unarmed, grand theft, trespassing after warning, robbery with firearm.
In addition, Hanson was charged in North Carolina with robbery with dangerous weapon, possession of stolen goods and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
After giving a full confession to HCSO detectives about the robbery of CenterState Bank in Valrico and the carjacking and murder of 68-year-old Mathew Korattiyil, Hanson was charged with the following felonies:
- Pre-Meditated First Degree Murder
- Carjacking
- Grand Theft Motor Vehicle
- Kidnapping
- Resisting an Officer with Violence
- Robbery (Less than $300)
