Willie Chestnut Jr, Bank Robbery, New Jersey 2013

Bank Robber Pleads Guilty

NEWARK, N.J. - In a shocking turn of events, Willie Chestnut Jr., 61, of Newark, pleaded guilty to robbing the New York Community Bank in Newark, Essex County, on Oct. 11, 2013.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Chestnut intimidated the teller and another bank employee who attempted to intercede during the heist. He approached the teller and told her he needed to make a withdrawal, and after the teller handed him a withdrawal slip, Chestnut demanded bills from the top teller drawer.

Chestnut, who was arrested shortly after the robbery, fled the scene in a taxi cab, wearing the same clothes he wore during the robbery, with the stolen money and the withdrawal slip in his pocket.

As part of his plea agreement, Chestnut agreed to plead guilty to one count of bank robbery, a charge that carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense.

The bank robbery count charges Chestnut with intentionally stealing money from the New York Community Bank in Newark on Oct. 11, 2013, by using intimidation to obtain the cash.

Sentencing is currently scheduled for Jan. 5, 2015. U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman praised the work of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, for its investigation into the case, as well as the Newark Police Department for its contribution to the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cari Fais, of the U.S. Attorney's Office General Crimes Unit in Newark, represented the government in the case. Assistant Federal Public Defender Lisa Mack Esq., of Newark, represented Chestnut in the case.

Defendant Information:

• Full Name: Willie Chestnut Jr.
• Exact Criminal Charges: Bank Robbery
• City and State: Newark, New Jersey
• Exact Date: Oct. 11, 2013
• Sentence or Outcome: Currently awaiting sentencing
• Dollar Amounts: $250,000 maximum fine

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/man-who-fled-newark-bank-robbery-taxi-pleads-guilty