Two Newark NJ residents were accused of robbing banks in Springfield NJ and Parsippany NJ.

33-year-old Avery Spotswood and 29-year-old Quiama Harris are charged with robbing the Investors Savings Bank at Morris and Linden avenues in Springfield, NJ.

According to a police complaint, Spotswood entered the bank and handed the teller a deposit slip and a note demanding cash. Police said that the note indicated that Spotswood had a bomb.

Spotswood and Harris are also charged with robbing the Santander Bank in Parsippany, NJ. Police said that Spotswood entered the bank, handed the teller a note demanding cash, and told the teller that he had an explosive device. Police believe that Harris drove Spotswood to the bank and conducted surveillance prior to the robbery.

Spotswood and Harris have both been charged with armed robbery and conspiracy, in addition to related offenses

In New Jersey, robbery is addressed by N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1. According to the statute, robbery is a first degree felony when the actor uses a deadly weapon during the commission of the robbery. In this case, Spotswood and Harris could each be sentenced to as many as 20 years in NJ State Prison if they are convicted of first degree armed robbery.

To learn more, access the NJ.com article entitled “Newark Pair Charged in Springfield Bank Robbery.“