TAMPA, Fla. – A Florida mother faces up to 20 years in prison after she robbed multiple banks this spring to finance her daughter’s graduation party and cover rent.

Cindy Sanchez Carabeo, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with interstate commerce by robbery in a plea deal with prosecutors last week, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

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Carabeo robbed three banks within a half hour in May and made off with about $6,000 before police got the signal – a ruptured die pack emitted red smoke from her vehicle as they tracked her car to an apartment complex.

The three robberies took place at 3:19 p.m., 3:35 p.m., and 3:40 p.m. on May 11, the day after Mother’s Day. They included BB&T Bank, Wells Fargo and the Florida Central Credit Union, according to the news site.

“By the time she made it home after that third robbery, within 15 minutes we had her in custody and all three bank managers were able to positively identify her,” Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Larry McKinnon told WPTV.

“You know, it’s very rare that women rob banks …,” he added. “This woman robbed three banks within 30 minutes. So that made it even more rare.”

Carabeo allegedly robbed the banks by sliding a note to the tellers threatening them with death.

“Should you not follow these instructions you will meet your maker,” one note read, according to the news site. “Should you not do as I say I will not hesitate to SHOOT.”

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Another note ended with the words “Happy Mother’s Day,” the Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

In court Thursday, Carabeo “told a judge she robbed the banks to pay for a graduation party for her daughter and to cover her rent,” according to The Huffington Post.

Many online commenters didn’t think Carabeo’s story makes sense, and chastised the woman for setting such a terrible example for her daughter.

“And you’ll always remember your graduation as the moment your mom went to jail … good job!” Anthony Munn posted to The Huffington Post.

“Wow, now you ruined your daughter’s graduation party (or the ability to have one anyway) and you get to spend time in prison. Well done,” Ashley Laura Melika posted. “Maybe you should have planned a simpler party and you know, NOT robbed three banks.”

“Happy graduation!” Daniel Duncan wrote. “My gift to you is your mother in prison for what will likely be the rest of her natural life. Enjoy!”

“Now you gave up 10 to 20 years of your daughter’s life to help her celebrate one night. What were you thinking?” Perdure Carter posted. “Sounds more like a drug problem to me.”

Others poked fun at the woman’s situation, and her excuses.

“Well, the good news is that she won’t have to worry about her rent now,” Evan Reis wrote.

“Covering her rent is no longer a problem,” Paul Bibbee posted.