New York man faces federal charges after alleged robbery spree targeting six banks across multiple Manhattan neighborhoods

New York – Federal prosecutors have charged a New York man in connection with a string of bank robberies and attempted robberies that authorities say unfolded across Manhattan over a two-month span in late 2025. The case centers on six separate incidents that targeted banks in multiple neighborhoods, raising concerns about employee safety and repeat criminal activity in busy commercial areas.

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, alongside FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Vanessa Tibbits, announced that a federal indictment has been returned against Cornell Neilly. Prosecutors allege that Neilly carried out a pattern of robberies and attempted robberies between August and October of 2025, focusing on banks located in areas such as Chelsea, the West Village, and just north of Madison Square Park.

Neilly, 34, is currently in federal custody, not only in connection with the newly unsealed indictment but also due to allegations that he violated the conditions of supervised release from a prior federal case. Authorities said he is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron, while the matter has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.

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According to prosecutors, the alleged robberies followed a similar pattern. At each bank, Neilly is accused of approaching a teller and handing over a note demanding specific amounts of U.S. currency. In three of the incidents, authorities say tellers complied with the demands, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars. In the remaining cases, the robberies were allegedly attempted but not completed.

“As alleged, Cornell Neilly robbed or attempted to rob six banks in multiple neighborhoods across Manhattan,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Hardworking New Yorkers, including the tellers and customers at these six banks, deserve to go to work without worrying that they will become victim to this type of brazen conduct. And New York families should not have to fear for their safety on New York streets. The women and men of this Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.”

Investigators say the locations targeted by the alleged robberies were spread across Manhattan, suggesting a deliberate effort to move between neighborhoods rather than focusing on a single area. Officials noted that bank employees were placed under significant stress during the encounters, even in cases where no physical force was used.

FBI officials described the alleged conduct as particularly troubling due to the repeated nature of the incidents and the fear imposed on frontline workers. “Cornell Neilly is charged with attempting to rob six banks across Manhattan by demanding cash from their tellers,” said FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Vanessa Tibbits. “This alleged spree is a bank employee’s worst nightmare. Preying on fear to satiate one’s own greed will not be tolerated. Along with our law enforcement partners, the FBI remains steadfast in disrupting any serial criminal targeting our city’s financial institutions.”

The indictment charges Neilly with three counts of bank robbery and three counts of attempted bank robbery. Each count carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison. Prosecutors emphasized that the maximum penalties are set by Congress and are provided for informational purposes, with any final sentence to be determined by the presiding judge if the defendant is convicted.

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Authorities credited the investigation to coordinated work between federal and local agencies. Clayton specifically praised the FBI and the New York City Police Department for their efforts in identifying and pursuing the case, noting the importance of collaboration when addressing crimes that affect public safety and financial institutions.

The case is being prosecuted by the Violent Organizations & Crime Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon D. Harper is handling the prosecution.

While the allegations outline a detailed account of the alleged robberies, officials stressed that the indictment represents accusations, not findings of guilt. Neilly is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offenses and the challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing serial crimes in densely populated urban environments. Prosecutors said they remain committed to pursuing cases that involve threats to workers and the public, particularly when a pattern of conduct suggests a heightened risk to community safety.