Newark, N.J. – Billy Le, a 25-year-old Jersey City native, has been charged with bank robbery after an audacious attempt at a Wells Fargo branch in his hometown. The gritty scene unfolded yesterday when Le donned a black gas mask and wielded a metal rod with a red tip like a pipe bomb, demanding cash from a teller.
According to the complaint, Le entered the Jersey City bank on April 25, 2017, waving the rod and shouting for money. A quick-thinking employee dialed the police, but it was an alert customer who thwarted Le’s plan by tackling him off the counter until officers arrived.
Upon arrest, Le was found with a duffle bag containing a large knife and what appeared to be a pipe bomb. However, Emergency Services Unit officers quickly determined that the device was not explosive. Le made his initial appearance today in federal court, where he was detained without bail.
The bank robbery count against Le carries a maximum potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick credited the FBI, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and Jersey City Police Department with the swift investigation.
Defending Le is Assistant Federal Public Defender K. Anthony Thomas Esq., who will argue that his client is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Haber will represent the government in this case, which highlights the ongoing efforts to combat financial crime in New Jersey.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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