Man Used Explosive To Damage Passaic Co. Bank ATM, Feds Say

PASSAIC, NJ — Federal officials have charged a Passaic man with using an explosive to damage a Chase Bank ATM in July of 2022.

According to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, 41-year-old Nicolas Torres faces charges of using an explosive to damage real property used in interstate commerce, and possession of an unregistered firearm. Officials accused him of approaching the Chase Bank ATM in Prospect Park early on the morning of July 5, 2022 and lighting an improvised explosive which then blew up.

Officials said Torres drove to Pennsylvania the day before, and bought $1,000 worth of fireworks.

Torres was seen on surveillance video approaching the ATM that day, and officials said he is seen igniting an item in front of the machine. Several seconds later, officials said, there was an explosion at the ATM. Then, officials said Torres was seen fleeing the location with two other people.

Cell phone data and video surveillance pointed to Torres' presence at the bank, Sellinger said. Investigating officers found the lower part of an ATM had been opened with gunpowder residue.

Officials examined physical evidence from the bank, and found cardboard with “MgAl” stamped on it — referring to magnalium, an alloy of magnesium and aluminum. Officials said this can be used as fuel to form an explosive when ignited by heat or a flame (as depicted in the surveillance video), thereby making it an improvised explosive device.

If convicted on the charge of using an explosive to damage property used in interstate commerce, Torres faces between five and 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. The possession of an unregistered firearm charge, which refers to the destructive device, carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000, officials said.