Earlier today, Gerald DeRosse was sentenced to 15 years in prison by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. DeRosse's sentence comes after he pleaded guilty in May 2024 to a violent robbery of a Ridgewood Savings Bank branch in Queens, New York. In addition to his prison term, DeRosse is required to pay $205 in restitution and $205 in forfeiture.
The announcement of the sentence was made by Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New York Field Office.
“The defendant, a serial bank robber, chose to terrorize hard-working bank tellers and customers for his own selfish purposes. The victims, including an elderly woman the defendant locked in a chokehold, will never forget that day,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “It is a vital part of our mission to protect our community, and my Office will continue to tirelessly prosecute repeat offenders who show no respect for the law.”
“While on parole for a prior bank robbery, Gerald DeRosse once again terrorized our city by committing the same crime in which he utilized an innocent bystander as collateral to ensure his demands were met,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. “DeRosse's actions carelessly endangered the lives of others out of personal greed. The FBI will not tolerate repeat offenders who consistently threaten the safety of our city and its citizens.”
According to court documents and the government’s sentencing memorandum, on April 6, 2023, DeRosse entered a Ridgewood Savings Bank branch on Myrtle Avenue in Glendale, Queens. He grabbed an elderly customer around the neck and threatened her life if his demands were not met by the bank teller. Another customer hid under a desk during this incident.
The teller complied with DeRosse’s demand and handed over $205 before he fled. However, he was identified through surveillance footage and arrested by the FBI weeks later. At that time, DeRosse had been recently released from state prison after serving a 13-year sentence for another bank robbery and was on parole.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Schuman led the prosecution against DeRosse.