Man Pleads Guilty To Helping Rob Nassau Bank

A Queens man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to acting as a getaway driver for a series of bank robberies in 2017, including the robbery of Bridgehampton Savings Bank in Hewlett.

Troy Tavares, 22, of Far Rockaway, faces up to 25 years in jail for his role in the bank robbery, and 7 years for firearms charges.

According to prosecutors, on Aug. 21, 2017, Tavares drove Pedro Benitez to the Bridgehampton Savings Bank. While Tavares waited outside in the car, Benitez man went in, ordered customers and employees to the ground at gunpoint and fled with more than $12,000. Tavares then drove him to a nearby location where they met with two others and split the money.

When he pleaded guilty, Tavares admitted he also as the getaway driver for two other robberies in 2017: one in Nassau and one in Queens. In total, the crew stole more than $70,000 from four banks between July and September of last year.

Benitez pleaded guilty to armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in March, and was sentenced to 130 months in prison. Two other members of the crew also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. One is still awaiting trial.

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