Man Sentenced For Somerset Bank Robberies

By Alexis Tarrazi:

An Elizabeth man was sentenced today to 22 years in prison for robbing seven New Jersey banks at gunpoint and attempting to rob an eighth bank at the time of his arrest on July 30, 2012, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Claude Williams, 64, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to conspiracy to commit bank robbery, bank robbery and using a firearm during a crime of violence. McNulty imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

Williams admitted that between September 2011 and July 2012 he robbed seven banks and attempted to rob an eighth bank, all at gunpoint, according to documents filed in this case and statements made in court.

He used a similar procedure for each robbery: after entering the bank armed with a handgun and wearing a bandana, hooded sweatshirt or jacket and white gloves, Williams would vault over the counter and demand money from bank tellers at gunpoint, authorities said.

Williams admitted robbing, or attempting to rob, the following New Jersey banks:

• Sept. 26, 2011: Financial Resources Federal Credit Union in Somerset
• Nov. 21, 2011: Somerset Savings Bank in Somerville
• Feb. 27, 2012: Provident Bank in Piscataway
• April 17, 2012: Provident Bank in Clifton
• May 22, 2012: Provident Bank in Piscataway
• June 20, 2012: Fulton Bank in Metuchen
• July 12, 2012: Unity Bank in Middlesex
• July 30, 2012: Unity Bank in North Plainfield

Prior to the July 12, 2012 robbery, an unarmed, off-duty police officer was parked across from the Unity Bank. The officer saw Williams leave the bank, get into the rear of the getaway car and crouch down to hide, authorities said. After recognizing the license plate number, the officer followed William’s car.

During the plea hearing, Williams said he exited the getaway car, walked toward the officer’s car and forced the officer to leave the scene by pointing his firearm at the officer.

On July 30, 2012, Williams was arrested after law enforcement observed him driving in the vicinity of the Unity Bank in North Plainfield on July 27, 2012 and July 28, 2012. He admitted that he planned to rob the bank at gunpoint, authorities said.

In addition to the prison term, McNulty sentenced Williams to serve five years of supervised release.

Andrea Dorsey, 56, of Plainfield, who said she served as a lookout and getaway driver for three of the robberies, was sentenced to 87 months in prison on March 13, 2014.

Teresa Webb, 45, of Plainfield, who said she was the getaway driver for one of the robberies, was sentenced to 54 months in prison on May 30, 2013.