Hudson County Man Admits Role in Bank Robbery

NEWARK, N.J. - A Hudson County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in a bank robbery, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Juan Rojas Hernandez, 21, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to Count Two of an indictment charging him with one count of bank robbery. His co-defendants were charged in the same indictment for their roles in a Union City bank robbery.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Nov. 5, 2019, Rojas Hernandez and his co-defendants robbed a bank in Union City, New Jersey. Rojas Hernandez served as the lookout during the robbery while co-defendant William Tedeschi entered the bank and handed a note to a bank teller demanding money. Rojas Hernandez and his co-defendants then fled with approximately $10,200 and split the proceeds of the robbery.

The bank robbery charge to which Rojas Hernandez pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 26, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today's guilty plea. He also thanked the Union City Police Department for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vijay Dewan of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Newark.

The charge and allegations against the remaining defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.