FBI Nabs Alleged Verona Subway Robber

An alleged Verona Subway robber has been caught, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said Friday.

A Newark man was arrested by FBI agents Friday and charged with the armed robbery of the Bloomfield Avenue restaurant last month, Fishman said.

James Darby, 26, and two other unidentified men entered the Subway restaurant on Bloomfield Avenue on May 20, according to a copy of the criminal complaint.

Darby, who was armed with a gun, and one of the other robbers tied up an employee before all three made off with more than $400, the complaint also said. 

Darby is also suspected of taking part in a series of other armed robberies that occurred between December 2012 and last month in Essex and Union counties, including at gas stations, convenience stores and other restaurants.

He has only been charged with the Verona robbery but the “investigation is ongoing,” said Rebekah Carmichael, a Department of Justice spokesperson.

Video surveillance footage and cell phone records tie Darby to the crimes, the complaint said. Federal agents also reportedly discovered a dark-colored Yankees cap, a dark mask and other clothing similar to that worn during the robbery at Darby’s home and in his car. 

Darby has been charged with one count of robbery and a weapons offense. If convicted, he faces up to $500,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison on the robbery charge, as well as seven years to life on the gun charge.

He was held without bail after appearing in Newark federal court.