South Jersey Man Admits Robbing Banks, Setting Car On Fire: USAO

A South Jersey man has admitted to stealing a car, using it in a series of bank robberies and setting it on fire, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Nathan L. Wallace, 29, of Vineland, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with three counts of bank robbery, Carpentino said. Wallace has been in custody since he was arrested in October 2016.

Quintin L. Jones, 35, of Vineland, previously pleaded guilty to an information charging him with two counts of bank robbery.

Wallace admitted stealing a 2003 Chrysler Sebring on Sept. 22, 2016, using a toy gun that looked like a real firearm, according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court. He then used the car to rob a BB&T Bank in Buena Vista Township on Sept. 24, 2016. He also used the toy gun in the robbery, this time to threaten bank employees and demand money, according to authorities. After taking cash from the employees, Wallace fled in the stolen car.

Wallace and Jones used the same car to rob a Newfield National Bank in Newfield on Oct. 7, 2016, and a Cape Bank in Upper Deerfield Township on Oct. 11, 2016. During both robberies, one of the defendants used a toy revolver to threaten bank employees and steal money before they both fled in the stolen car, authorities said.

Wallace also admitted that they set the car on fire on Oct. 15, 2016, in order to destroy evidence of the robberies.

Each bank robbery count carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Wallace’s sentencing is set for April 30. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on March 23.

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