Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
A New York man has been indicted in connection with a series of bank robberies and attempted robberies at six banks in Manhattan between August and October 2025. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, along with FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Vanessa Tibbits, announced the charges against Cornell Neilly.
Neilly is currently in federal custody for allegedly violating conditions of supervised release from a previous federal case. He is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.
"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."
FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Vanessa Tibbits stated, "Cornell Neilly is charged with attempting to rob six banks across Manhattan by demanding cash from their tellers. 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."
According to allegations in the indictment and public court proceedings, Neilly targeted banks located in several neighborhoods such as Chelsea, the West Village, and areas just north of Madison Square Park over a two-month period in 2025. At each location, he handed notes demanding specific amounts of money from tellers and was able to obtain thousands of dollars from three banks where his demands were met.
Neilly, 34, faces three counts each of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery; each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years if convicted. Sentencing decisions are made by the judge presiding over the case.
U.S. Attorney Clayton commended the investigative efforts of both the FBI and the New York City Police Department.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon D. Harper from the Office's Violent Organizations & Crime Unit.
The indictment consists only of allegations; Neilly is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
