Alleged PNC Bank Robber's Bail Remains at $100K

Bail for the New York man accused of on Route 46 Wednesday will remain at $100,000, a state Superior Court judge ruled Friday afternoon.

Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz presided over a bail review hearing at Morris County Courthouse Friday for Stephen L. Smith, 29, of Brooklyn, N.Y., who is charged with the Parsippany bank robbery and with the Sept. 1 robbery of $795 from a TD Bank in Little Falls.

There is also a possibility Smith may be connected to an Aug. 12 , NorthJersey.com reported.

Assistant Morris County Prosecutor Joseph Napurano told the judge that Smith faces charges of 2nd degree robbery and possession of stolen property, which could net him as much as 20 years behind bars.

According to Napurano, Smith allegedly entered the Parsippany bank and gave a teller a note demanding cash in 100s, 50s and 20s.

"He made off with more than $4,000 in cash," the assistant prosecutor said.

The complaint alleges Smith stole $4,420 from PNC Bank.

Napurano said that after obtaining the money, Smith allegedly fled the bank and headed east.

"Thanks to the collaborative efforts of [law enforcement including ,] the and was believed to be headed to New York state," he told the judge. "A surveillance video clearly showed Smith" to be the alleged robber.

He added that the stolen cash was found in the vehicle Smith was driving Wednesday.

After being captured, Smith admitted to being responsible for the Little Falls robbery and the Parsippany bank heist, the assistant prosecutor said.

Napurano argued for the $100,000 bail to be maintained, noting that Smith had identification showing a Brooklyn address as his residence as well as a "possibly altered" drivers' license with a Manhattan address.

"He has no ties to New Jersey...and family in Illinois," the assistant prosecutor continued. "He does have a job, however, he has no other persons in the city who can vouch for his character."

Napurano added that it appears the defendant has no prior adult criminal record.

Smith, who was visible on closed-circuit television from the Morris County Jail and does not yet have legal representation, was permitted to speak on his own behalf.

"I have no prior crime history, none whatsoever," he told the judge. "I have a full-time job. "My family whom I reside with in Brooklyn is from Chicago.

"I assure you I will be present [for court] and I can assure you that my circle of friends, including co-workers, will vouch for me. I have every intent of doing everything I am supposed to."

Judge Minkowitz said that the bail range for a 2nd degree offense is between $50,000 and $100,000 with no 10 percent option permitted.

"He has no verifiable address, and it's out of New Jersey," he said. "The state has presented strong proof, and there are other charges pending in Passaic County.

"I find he is a flight risk, a significant flight risk."

With that, the judge announced that the $100,000 bail would stand and that Smith must provide a verifiable address to the court.