Michael A. Fanelli robbed 5 banks in New Jersey and one in Pennsylvania between June and September of last year.
CAMDEN -- A West Deptford man admitted in federal court Wednesday that he robbed six banks last year.
Michael Fanelli, 36, appeared before U.S. District Judge Renee M. Bumb and admitted that he held up five banks in New Jersey and one in Pennsylvania between June and September, 2015.
Michael Fanelli, 36, of West Deptford Township.In total, Fanelli made off with $38,200 from the six robberies, according to court records.
According to the office of U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman, Fanelli typically robbed each bank by approaching a teller and brandishing what appeared to be a handgun. No one was hurt in any of the robberies.
Fanelli held up the Cornerstone Bank in West Deptford on June 2; the Fulton Bank, Mullica Hill on June 5; Malvern Federal Savings Bank, Concordville, Pa., on July 22; Susquehanna Bank, Mullica Hill on July 28 and Aug. 21; and National Penn Bank in Florence on Sept. 24, court records say.
West Deptford Police said they received a tip about Fanelli, which led them and Florence Township Police, the FBI and the Gloucester County Bank Robbery Task Force to investigate. The Harrison Township Police and the Pennsylvania State Police also assisted in the investigation.
Man charged in 5 bank robberies
Police kept surveillance on Fanelli and followed him as he drove to the National Penn Bank on Sept. 24. After that robbery, they followed him to his home, where he barricaded himself. After talking with Fanelli on the phone for several hours, he surrendered to police.
Each bank robbery count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail and a $250,000 fine, Fishman's office said.
Fanelli is scheduled to be sentenced June 17, it said.
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