(AP) — Police say a South Carolina man robbed a bank of hundreds of dollars by convincing a bank teller that a woman and child would be killed if he didn't pay a ransom to their captor.

Court documents show 55-year-old Chester Wodecki was arrested Tuesday and charged with a federal count of bank robbery the next day.

Police say Wodecki told the teller at First Citizens Bank in Conway that the woman and child were being held hostage at a grocery store. But authorities say the story was a hoax that Wodecki invented because he needed money for rent and other bills.

Police say Wodecki took about $2,400 from the bank.

Officials at the Horry County jail did not know if Wodecki had an attorney, and his home phone number was unlisted.

From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker; Newsday / A.J. Singh

Put a little love in your heart with the NewsdayTV Valentine's Day Special! From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year.

From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker; Newsday / A.J. Singh

Put a little love in your heart with the NewsdayTV Valentine's Day Special! From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year.

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