The man arrested for robbing the main Casper branch of Wells Fargo Bank has a long criminal history, according to an FBI agent's affidavit.

Jeffery Craig "CJ" Morrison, 61, also was candid about why he did it again.

"Morrison indicated that the reason he robbed the bank was because he didn't have any money and wanted the money to pay for medical treatment for his chronic pain," according to the affidavit written by Kent Smith.

The affidavit accompanied the federal criminal complaint against Morrison, who was charged with one count of bank robbery. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release.

Morrison made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Thursday afternoon in Casper to hear the charge and rights read to him by U.S. Magistrate Michael Shickich. (Morrison's first name is spelled both Jeffrey and Jeffery in court documents.)

The only time Morrison spoke was to ask Shickich to speak louder.

He will remain in custody until a detention hearing early next week, but the government will oppose releasing him.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Darrell Fun filed a motion to keep Morrison in jail because he is accused of a crime of violence, poses a flight risk, and may endanger the community.

The events leading to the initial appearance began at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday when an older, slender white man between 55 and 70 walked into Wells Fargo Bank, 234 E. First St., holding a black, older "flip" model cell phone, according to Smith's affidavit.

The bank teller said the suspect asked for "100s and large bills," she gave him some money from a drawer, and he left the bank, according to the affidavit.

Several hours later, Casper police received a tip from someone who heard Morrison was rumored to have robbed a bank, and the suspect may be at either Dairy Queen or at Motel 6 at 1150 Wilkins Circle Drive.

Officers went to the motel, and observed Morrison in a parked tan 1995 Ford van. Morrison began to flee after seeing the officers, who apprehended him. Morrison had a cell phone, wallet and a wad of cash in his front pocket, according to the affidavit.

The teller later identified Morrison from a photo lineup.

After being advised of his rights, Morrison agreed to talk to Smith and Casper police detective Stacia Francisco.

He admitted he robbed the bank, gave details about what he was wearing that matched witnesses' descriptions, and said he told the teller to give him large bills, according to the affidavit.

Morrison also told Smith and Francisco he had robbed 16 other banks in Colorado, Oregon and Tennessee, and had been prosecuted for those crimes.

The reason for needing medical treatment for chronic pain seemed apparent at his initial appearance, when he walked into the courtroom, stooped, and clutching a cane with both hands while he walked. Where not covered with his orange jumpsuit, Morrison's thin arms bore multiple tattoos.

Besides the request for Shickich to speak louder, his only other sound was a feeble grunt when U.S. Marshals helped him to his feet at the end of the initial appearance.

Reach Tom Morton at (307) 266-0592, or at tom.morton@trib.com. Read his blog at tribtown.trib.com/TomMorton/blog.