Brooklyn Man Charged with Bank Robbery

NEWARK, NJ—A Brooklyn, New York man who was arrested in April in connection with a Bergen County bank robbery will make his initial court appearance today, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

John Edward Stevens, 59, is charged by complaint with one count of bank robbery and is scheduled to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court today. Stevens was on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List in 1988 in connection with unrelated robberies.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On April 15, 2013, Stevens allegedly robbed the TD Bank, located in Oakland, New Jersey. According to bank employees and video surveillance, a male wearing a blue jacket and a baseball hat entered the bank and approached one of the bank tellers. The robber was carrying a zipper pouch, which he opened and showed the teller. Inside was what appeared to be a black handgun. The robber fled after the teller gave him money.

Approximately 20 minutes after the robbery, law enforcement stopped a vehicle that was reported stolen. The driver of the stolen vehicle was identified as Stevens. Law enforcement arrested Stevens and located a TD Bank bag filled with money in the vehicle.

If convicted of the bank robbery charge, Stevens faces 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, with the investigation. He also thanked the Waldwick Police Department and the Oakland Police Department for their contribution to the case.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Corcione of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.