Trenton, New Jersey Man Faces Federal Charges for Bank Robbery

TRENTON, NJ—A man allegedly responsible for the Nov. 10, 2010, armed robbery of a Hamilton, N.J., Chase Bank appeared in court today to face federal charges related to that robbery, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Jeffrey Garrett, 34, is charged by complaint with one count of bank robbery. He appeared this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court and was detained.

According to the complaint filed Nov. 12, 2010:

On Nov. 10, 2010, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Garrett entered the Chase Bank, located at 1850 Klockner Road in Hamilton, N.J., approached a teller and presented her a piece of paper on which was written, “I have a gun, give me all the fifty and hundred dollar bills.” Garrett then brandished a black handgun to the teller and repeatedly stated, “Hurry up or I will kill you!” The teller gave defendant Garrett all the $50 and $100 bills from her top teller drawer.

Garrett at no time attempted to disguise his identity.

The charge of bank robbery carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward in Newark, with the investigation. He also credited marshals of the U.S. Marshals Service, who arrested Garrett Oct. 17, 2011, after he fled to Jacksonville, Fla. Garret appeared in Jacksonville federal court on Oct. 18, 2011, before being brought to New Jersey.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Joseph Gribko and John Clabby of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Trenton.

The charges and allegations 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.

Defense counsel: David Schafer Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton