LI Married Couple Indicted In Bank Robbery Spree Threatened Using Bomb: DA

RIVERSIDE, NY — A married Moriches couple faces upgraded charges related to a bank robbery spree in which they made off with around $3,500 on the back of a motorcycle across three Suffolk communities, one time threatening the use of a bomb, Suffolk prosecutors said.

Joseph Hill, 40, and Stephanie Demola, 34, are alleged to have robbed three separate banks throughout Suffolk – Chase Bank in Yaphank and TD Bank in Lake Ronkonkoma on July 10, and Webster Bank in Patchogue on July 13.

On each of the occasions, they pulled up to the bank on a motorcycle, and then Demola would go inside while Hill waited outside on the motorcycle, prosecutors said.

On two occasions, Demola handed the bank teller a threatening note demanding money, prosecutors said, adding that on the third occasion, she showed the bank teller what appeared to be a bomb, prosecutors said.

After each robbery, Demola and Hill sped away on the motorcycle at over 150 mph, prosecutors said.

After interviewing numerous witnesses and collecting surveillance videos from the locations, Suffolk police arrested Hill and Demola on July 17, according to prosecutors.

“Over the course of 72 hours, these defendants allegedly went on a bank robbery crime spree, striking three Suffolk County banks. Not only did they threaten the bank employees, but in one instance, the defendants even used what appeared to be a bomb,” District Attorney Ray Tierney said. “I am committed to vigorously prosecuting those who seek to terrorize Suffolk County residents and businesses.”

Hill and Demola face two counts of second-degree robbery, one count of second-degree attempted robbery, one count of second-degree placing a false bomb or hazardous substance, as well as one count of fourth-degree grand larceny.

At her arraignment on Monday, Demola was ordered held on $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond, or $300,000 partially-secured bond during the pendency of the case.

Hill was arraigned on Friday and was ordered held on $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, or $750,000 partially -secured bond during the pendency of his case.

Hill’s attorney, Scott Zerner of Manhattan, said he is “in the process of reviewing the evidence,” and his client “maintains his presumption of innocence.”

Demola’s attorney, Michael Blakey, could not be reached for comment.

Hill is due back in court on Aug. 23, and Demola on Aug. 25.