By: Richard L. Smith
Federal officials say Jose Luis Martinez, 33, from Iowa, has been sentenced to 94 months in prison for his involvement in an armed bank robbery that took place in Secaucus back in January 2017.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentencing, which was handed down by U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in the Newark federal court.
Martinez had previously admitted to the charges, pleading guilty to a two-count indictment for armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during the robbery, before U.S. District Judge John M. Vazquez.
The court records reveal that on January 5, 2017, Martinez entered a Secaucus bank, brandishing a handgun and threatening a bank employee and customers, demanding cash.
After obtaining the money, he fled the scene.
The sentence not only includes the prison term but also subjects Martinez to three years of supervised release following his incarceration.
Additionally, Judge Martini ordered Martinez to pay restitution amounting to $31,000.
This case marks a significant closure for the victims and the Secaucus community, bringing a measure of justice for the distressing event that unfolded over seven years ago.