A preliminary hearing is scheduled next month for a local homeless man accused of trying to rob a US bank branch in St Joe. Mark Pieron made his first court appearance on the charge of 2nd Degree Attempted Robbery, a class-C felony.

According to court documents, Pieron presented a note stating “robbery” to a teller at the US bank at 800 North Belt on September 3. Investigators say Pieron is homeless and has no ties to the city of St Joseph. A police detective says Pieron said he thought he was facing life in prison.

Officials say the defendant has prior convictions for 1st Degree Robbery, 1st and 2nd Degree Burglary, drug violations, and Stealing.

In court Tuesday, Judge Ronald Taylor scheduled a prelminary hearing October 2. Pieron will apply for a court-appointed lawyer.