New York Man Charged With Robbery Spree That Targeted Six Manhattan Banks

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Vanessa Tibbits, announced an Indictment charging CORNELL NEILLY in connection with a pattern of bank robberies and attempted bank robberies of six Manhattan banks between August and October of 2025.  NEILLY is currently in federal custody on allegations that he violated the conditions of supervised release imposed in a prior federal case and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.  

"As alleged, Cornell Neilly robbed or attempted to rob six banks in multiple neighborhoods across Manhattan,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Hardworking New Yorkers, including the tellers and customers at these six banks, deserve to go to work without worrying that they will become victim to this type of brazen conduct.  And New York families should not have to fear for their safety on New York streets.  The women and men of this Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.” 

“Cornell Neilly is charged with attempting to rob six banks across Manhattan by demanding cash from their tellers,” said FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Vanessa Tibbits.  “This alleged spree is a bank employee’s worst nightmare.  Preying on fear to satiate one’s own greed will not be tolerated.  Along with our law enforcement partners, the FBI remains steadfast in disrupting any serial criminal targeting our city’s financial institutions.” 

As alleged in the Indictment and in public statements made in public court proceedings:[1]

Between August and October of 2025, NEILLY robbed or attempted to rob six banks across Manhattan, including in Chelsea, the West Village, and just north of Madison Square Park.  At each bank, NEILLY handed a teller a note demanding specific amounts of United States currency.  NEILLY took thousands of dollars from three banks whose tellers complied with his demands.   

NEILLY, 34, of New York, New York, is charged with three counts of bank robbery and three counts of attempted bank robbery, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the New York City Police Department.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations & Crime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon D. Harper is in charge of the prosecution.   

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.