Valeria Parziale, Bank Robbery, New Jersey 2014

A string of brazen bank robberies in Hudson County has come to an end, thanks to the tireless work of law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Valeria Parziale, 34, of Harrison, N.J., has been federally charged with bank robbery in connection with three bank heists that took place in the span of just three weeks.

The alleged crimes occurred on January 30, 2014, at Valley National Bank in Harrison, on February 14, 2014, at Wells Fargo bank in Newark, and on February 20, 2014, at Popular Community Bank in Newark.

According to the complaint filed in this case, Parziale handed the teller a note during each robbery, threatening to use a gun and demanding cash. The notes contained threatening language, including, ‘I Have A Gun! Don’t Be Stupid!’

Parziale wore sunglasses and a wig to commit the Newark Wells Fargo robbery and a dark, hooded jacket and gloves to the bank in Harrison.

Each of the bank robbery charges carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman praised special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, for the investigation leading to the arrest and charges. He also thanked the Newark, Kearny and Harrison Police Departments 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.

Parziale is expected to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court.

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

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