Raymond Scura, Hobbs Act Robbery, New Jersey 2019

Raymond Scura, 29, of Kenilworth, New Jersey, stood silently in federal court today, facing charges for an armed robbery that turned a routine bank visit into a terror-filled nightmare. Prosecutors allege Scura pulled a gun on a business owner in February 2019, forcing them to deposit a fraudulent check and withdraw cash—all under threat of death. The incident unfolded at a bank in New Jersey, where Scura allegedly brandished a firearm and seized control of the victim’s account access.

Scura is charged by complaint with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. According to court documents, Scura was a customer of an internet-based business owned by the victim. He had previously paid with at least one fraudulent check. When the victim demanded cash, Scura orchestrated a deadly charade—driving with the victim to a bank, producing a firearm, and demanding compliance under threat of murder. He reportedly input the victim’s PIN at an ATM and forced a teller withdrawal before seizing the cash at gunpoint.

The charges expose a pattern of deception and intimidation. Scura was already arrested in March 2019 on separate federal charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Authorities say he stole merchandise, services, and cash by charging luxury expenses—including a Rolex watch, limousine rides, wine, and country club memberships—to credit cards he wasn’t authorized to use. He also wrote personal checks from closed or overdrawn accounts, both in his name and in victims’ names.

The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence. The Hobbs Act robbery charge allows for up to 20 years behind bars and a $250,000 fine, or double the financial gain from the crime. The wire fraud affecting a financial institution charge could bring 30 years and a $1 million fine, while aggravated identity theft demands a two-year mandatory sentence, tacked on consecutively.

The FBI and Belleville Police Department led the investigation, with support from the Summit Police Department, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, and Evesham Police Department. U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito praised the collaboration, calling it essential to bringing Scura to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine K. Lou is prosecuting the case.

Scura is represented by Anthony Iacullo Esq. of Clifton, New Jersey. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. His initial appearance is scheduled before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court. The case continues to unfold amid growing scrutiny of repeat financial offenders using violence to cover their tracks.

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