NEWARK, NJ—A woman today admitted committing three bank robberies over a three week span in Newark and Harrison, New Jersey – including one on Valentine’s Day, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Valeria Parziale, 35, of Harrison, N.J., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court to an information charging her with robbing a Wells Fargo Bank in Newark on Feb. 14, 2014. Parziale also admitted committing two other robberies.

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

Parziale robbed a Valley National Bank in Harrison on Jan. 30, 2014, a Wells Fargo bank in Newark on Feb. 14, 2014, and a Popular Community Bank in Newark on Feb. 20, 2014. At each robbery, Parziale handed the teller a note demanding cash and threatening the use of a gun. On one occasion, she wore a wig to disguise her identity.

On Feb. 24, 2014, Parziale was located in Newark and was in possession of a wig and a note similar to the one used in the prior bank robberies. She has been in custody since that time.

The bank robbery charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 23, 2014.

U.S. Attorney Fishman praised special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, with the investigation leading to the arrest and charges. He also thanked the Newark, Kearny, and Harrison Police Department for their excellent work in this case.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark.

Defense counsel: Assistant Federal Public Defender John Yauch Esq., Newark