North Bergen, New Jersey Man Charged with Bank Robbery
| U.S. Attorney’s Office May 02, 2011 |
NEWARK, NJ—Luis Aparicio appeared in federal court today after being arrested and charged with robbing a bank on April 28, 2011, United States Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Aparicio, 49, of North Bergen, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of bank robbery, and made his initial appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge Claire C. Cecchi, who ordered Aparicio be detained.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Newark federal court on April 29, 2011:
On April 28, 2011, Aparicio entered the Chase Bank in Rutherford, New Jersey, and used a black metal object made to look like a handgun to force bank representatives to open the vault. During the robbery, law enforcement was notified and managed to secure the location before Aparicio fled. In an attempt to escape, Aparicio grabbed a woman and attempted to leave the bank with her as a hostage. When Aparicio grabbed her hair, the hostage managed to pull her head out of the wig she was wearing and run to safety. Aparicio sustained multiple gunshot wounds from the police and was taken to a hospital where he was later arrested.
The bank robbery charge carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the gain or loss from the offense.
Fishman credited the Rutherford Police, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office, and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office with Aparicio's apprehension. The investigation is now with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward in Newark.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacques S. Pierre of the Criminal Division in Newark.
The charge and allegation contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone who has information which may be relevant to this case is encouraged to contact the Newark Division of the FBI at 973-792-3000.