Man Pleads Guilty To Robbing Lacey Bank: Prosecutor

LACEY, NJ — An Ocean gate man pleaded guilty Monday to bank robberies in Lacey and Toms River, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. Robert Fitzpatrick robbed the Bank of America in Toms River on April 25 and the Kearny Bank in Lanoka Harbor on May 29, the OCPO said.

Fitzpatrick, 35, was arrested at his home June 6. The plea agreement calls for Fitzpatrick to be sentenced 10 years for each robbery, with each prison term to run simultaneously. He must serve at least 85 percent of his term. Fitzpatrick is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 8.

After his arrest, Fitzpatrick subsequently admitted to authorities that he also robbed a Wells Fargo bank in Whiting on April 9, the OCPO said. The Whiting robbery was dismissed as part of the plea negotiation.

During robberies, Fitzpatrick covered his face with a bandana. Surveillance from Bank of America shows Fitzpatrick's body and face covered in clothing. Read more: Man Busted For Lacey, Toms River Bank Robberies: OCPO

After entering Kearny Bank and demanding money, Fitzpatrick fled on foot into a nearby wooded area with more than $13,000, the OCPO said. Further investigation revealed the suspect matched the description of the suspect involved in the Bank of America robbery, officials said.

New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission helped identify the vehicle used in the Toms River robbery. That led to identification of Fitzpatrick in both incidents, according to the OCPO.

During the Toms River robbery, he told tellers he had a gun, police said. No weapon was shown.

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