Full Breakdown
Serial Bank Thief Arrested After Spree in New York City
4/2/2026, 10:01:07 AM
Overview of the Bank Heists
Gusatvo DeJesus-Torres, a 33-year-old man with a history of bank robberies, was arrested on March 22, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey, following a five-day crime spree across New York City. Between March 13 and March 17, DeJesus-Torres attempted to rob six Chase bank locations in various neighborhoods, including Downtown Brooklyn, Flatbush, Harlem, the Bronx's Melrose section, and the Queens areas of Long Island City and Jackson Heights. During this period, he successfully robbed three banks, netting a total of $605.
Details of the Robberies
DeJesus-Torres employed a consistent method during his heists, passing notes to bank tellers that included threats of violence if they did not comply with his demands. The amounts stolen from each successful robbery were $320 from the Jackson Heights branch, $265 from Flatbush, and $20 from Harlem. Despite his attempts, he was unsuccessful in robbing the remaining three locations.
Law Enforcement Response
The arrest was a coordinated effort involving the US Marshals Service, the New York Police Department (NYPD), and Newark police. Authorities utilized surveillance footage, investigative leads, and tips from the public to track down DeJesus-Torres. Nicholas Ricigliano, acting US Marshal for the District of New Jersey, emphasized the commitment to community safety and accountability for criminal actions.
Background of the Suspect
DeJesus-Torres is no stranger to law enforcement. His criminal history includes a previous arrest in June 2021 for robbing a Chase bank in Newark, where he stole $6,000. He is also suspected of involvement in a robbery at a TD Bank in TriBeCa in April 2025, from which he stole $600. His current charges include violations of federal supervision terms and additional charges related to the recent bank robberies.
Criticism & Opposition
While law enforcement officials have praised the collaborative effort that led to DeJesus-Torres' arrest, some community members have expressed concerns about the frequency of bank robberies in New York City and the effectiveness of current security measures at financial institutions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our communities and holding those responsible for their crimes accountable,” — Nicholas Ricigliano, Acting US Marshal for the District of New Jersey.
What's Next
Following his arrest, DeJesus-Torres faces legal proceedings for his recent crimes, and further investigations may be conducted to determine if he is linked to other unsolved bank robberies in the area.
