Man Who Robbed LI Bank Dressed As Woman Indicted: Suffolk DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A man accused of dressing up as a woman to rob a Commack bank earlier in October was indicted, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced Monday.

George Swanton, 62, of Oakdale, robbed a bank of more than $10,000 after stealing a minivan, the DA said.

“This defendant allegedly entered the bank, threatened a teller and decided to steal cash that did
not belong to him to finance a drug-fueled binge, and now he will be held accountable for his
actions,” Tierney said via news release.

Swanton stole a minivan from a group home and used it the next day, on Oct. 8, to drive to the Teachers Federal Credit Union branch on Vanderbilt Motor Parkway in Commack, Suffolk police said. Once there, he handed the teller a note, threatening the teller and demanding money, authorities said. The teller gave Swanton $10,400, and Swanton fled, officials said.

Swanton spent the next two days at the Bay Shore Inn where he spent the money on drugs and prostitutes, prosecutors said. On Oct. 10, he called 911 claiming that he had a bomb strapped to his chest and admitting that he had robbed a bank, officials said. After officers responded, he let them in the room and told them that he had recently robbed a bank in Commack and that the money was in his pockets, authorities said.

Swanton was disguised in women's clothing when he stole the van and robbed the bank, the DA said. The clothing was found in the motel room where he turned himself in, investigators said.

Swanton was ordered held on $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond or $300,000 partially secured bond. Swanton is being represented by Walter Green of the Legal Aid society. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 14.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Carlos J. Benitez II of the Major Crime
Bureau.