During One of the Bank Robberies, Pair Allegedly Used a Device that Appeared to be a Bomb
A couple from Moriches has been indicted for their alleged roles in a series of bank robberies in Suffolk County over a three-day span.
“Over the course of 72 hours, these defendants allegedly went on a bank robbery crime spree, striking three Suffolk County banks. Not only did they threaten the bank employees, but in one instance, the defendants even used what appeared to be a bomb,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I am committed to vigorously prosecuting those who seek to terrorize Suffolk County residents and businesses.”
Between July 10 and July 13, Joseph Hill, 40, of Moriches, and Stephanie Demola, 34, who are married, are alleged to have robbed three separate banks throughout Suffolk County – a Chase Bank in Yaphank and a TD Bank in Lake Ronkonkoma on July 10 and a Webster Bank in Patchogue on July 13. On each of the occasions, the defendants drove to the bank on a motorcycle. Demola then allegedly entered the bank while Hill waited outside on the motorcycle.
On two occasions, Demola handed the bank teller a threatening note demanding money. On the third occasion, Demola showed the bank teller what appeared to be a bomb.
After each robbery, Demola and Hill allegedly fled on the motorcycle at speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour. In total, Hill and Demola are alleged to have stolen $3,500 from the banks.
After interviewing numerous witnesses and collecting surveillance videos from the incident locations, members of the Suffolk County Police Department arrested Hill and Demola on July 17.
On July 28, Hill was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz, for two counts of second-degree robbery, Class C violent felonies; one count of second-degree attempted robbery, a Class D violent felony; one count of placing a false bomb or hazardous substance in the second degree, a Class E violent felony; and one count of fourth degree grand larceny, a Class E felony.
Horowitz ordered Hill to be held on $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, or $750,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Hill is due back in court on August 23.
On July 31, 2023, Demola was also arraigned on the indictment before Horowitz, for two counts of second-degree robbery, Class C violent felonies; one count of second-degree attempted robbery, a Class D violent felony; one count of placing a false bomb or hazardous substance in the second degree, a Class E violent felony; and one count of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony.
Horowitz ordered Demola to be held on $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond, or $300,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. She is due back in court on August 25.
“Over the course of 72 hours, these defendants allegedly went on a bank robbery crime spree, striking three Suffolk County banks. Not only did they threaten the bank employees, but in one instance, the defendants even used what appeared to be a bomb,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “I am committed to vigorously prosecuting those who seek to terrorize Suffolk County residents and businesses.”