U.S. Attorney Breon S. Peace | U.S. Department of Justice
Earlier today, Gerald DeRosse was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a violent bank robbery at Ridgewood Savings Bank in Queens, New York. The sentencing took place at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, presided over by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II. In addition to his prison term, DeRosse is required to pay $205 in restitution and forfeiture. He had pleaded guilty to the charge in May 2024.
The sentence was announced by Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office.
"The defendant, a serial bank robber, chose to terrorize hard-working bank tellers and customers for his own selfish purposes. The victims, including an elderly woman the defendant locked in a chokehold, will never forget that day," stated United States Attorney Peace. "It is a vital part of our mission to protect our community, and my Office will continue to tirelessly prosecute repeat offenders who show no respect for the law."
"While on parole for a prior bank robbery, Gerald DeRosse once again terrorized our city by committing the same crime in which he utilized an innocent bystander as collateral to ensure his demands were met," stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. "DeRosse's actions carelessly endangered the lives of others out of personal greed. The FBI will not tolerate repeat offenders who consistently threaten the safety of our city and its citizens."
According to court documents and the government's sentencing memorandum, on April 6, 2023, DeRosse entered a branch of Ridgewood Savings Bank on Myrtle Avenue in Glendale, Queens. He grabbed an elderly customer around the neck and threatened her life if his demands were not met. Another customer hid under a desk during this incident.
The bank teller complied with DeRosse’s demand and handed him $205 in cash. DeRosse fled but was later identified and arrested by the FBI within weeks. At that time, he was on parole after serving a 13-year sentence for previous robbery-related crimes.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Schuman led the prosecution.
Gerald DeRosse is 55 years old and resides in Broad Channel, New York.