Succasunna Man Charged with Robbing Wells Fargo Bank, Harmon Discount Store and Gas Station
Published on April 07, 2014
Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Roxbury Township Police Chief James Simonetti announce the arrest of Derek Morisco, 23 years old of Succasunna New Jersey on various charges related to three separate robberies that occurred within the last week at various businesses in Succasunna, New Jersey.
On March 31, 2014, at approximately 6:19pm, Derek Morisco is alleged to have entered the Harmon Discount Store located at 274 Route 10 in Succasunna, New Jersey. Once inside, Morisco allegedly passed a note to the cashier demanding money. Morisco then fled the store on foot.
On April 2, 2014, at approximately 9:20pm, Morisco is also alleged to have approached the Fuel 10 gas station located at 65 Route 10 in Succasunna, New Jersey on his bicycle while armed with a knife. He allegedly attempted to obtain money from the gas station attendant. Morisco allegedly made continual unsuccessful attempts to enter a gas attendant booth during this incident. Morisco then fled from the scene on his bicycle.
On April 3, 2014, at approximately 4:42pm, Morisco is again alleged to have entered the Wells Fargo Bank located at 106 Route 10 West in Succasunna in Roxbury Township, New Jersey. Once inside, Morisco allegedly passed a note to the teller demanding money and claiming to be armed. Morisco then fled from the scene on foot.
In response to these incidents, the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and the Roxbury Township Police Department began an investigation into the identity of this assailant.
On April 4, 2014, the Honorable Stuart A. Minkowitz, P.J.Cr. signed warrant-complaints charging Derek Morisco with a numerous crimes related to these incidents.
The Defendant was charged with two counts of the crime of Robbery, crimes of the first degree, one count of the crime of Robbery, a crime of the second degree, one count of the crime of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, one count of the crime of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and one count of Resisting Arrest by flight, a crime of the fourth degree.
Judge Minkowitz set bail at $350,000 full cash, bond or property without a ten percent option along with the conditions of no contact with the victims, a waiver of extradition, and surrender of defendant's passport. The defendant was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Acting Prosecutor Knapp stated that Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Detectives and the Roxbury Township Police Department Detectives worked tirelessly to make this arrest. Classic and effective investigative efforts were successfully utilized to apprehend this alleged serial offender.
Acting Prosecutor Knapp commended Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano, Sgt. Steven Brylinski and Detective Michael Gomez of the Major Crimes Unit along with Roxbury Detective Adam DelGuercio.
Acting Prosecutor Knapp and Chief Simonetti thank the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, the Roxbury Township Police Department, the Boonton Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office-Criminal Investigation Section.
The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Any inquires reading this press release may be directed to First Assistant Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas A. Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.