By: Richard L.Smith
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said Sufyan A. Abdullah, 54, of Newark, has been arrested and charged with two counts of bank robbery.
Federal officials said Abdullah appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court today, where he was detained pending further proceedings.
The case documents and statements presented in court reveal the following:
On July 8, 2023, Abdullah entered a bank in Elizabeth and handed a threatening note to a teller. The note claimed that Abdullah possessed multiple firearms and threatened a "mass shooting."
However, Abdullah left the bank without obtaining any money.
Subsequently, on July 15, 2023, Abdullah targeted another bank in Springfield, New Jersey. He placed an object, which he claimed to be an explosive device, on the counter in front of a teller and demanded money while threatening to detonate the device.
Fearing for their safety, the teller complied and gave Abdullah cash.
During the robbery, Abdullah warned that he would detonate the "bomb" if anyone followed him or if he heard sirens. However, after further investigation, law enforcement discovered that the purported explosive device was, in fact, an imitation.
The charges of bank robbery carry significant penalties, with each count potentially leading to a maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine of $250,000.
Bank robberies are serious offenses that pose significant risks to bank employees' and customers' safety and well-being. Law enforcement authorities acted swiftly to apprehend Abdullah and prevent any further harm.