A Passaic County man, Nicolas Torres, has pleaded guilty to using an explosive to damage a Chase Bank ATM in Prospect Park, New Jersey. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of July 5, 2022, was captured on surveillance footage, showing Torres igniting an explosive device before fleeing the scene with two individuals.
Investigation and Evidence
Authorities linked Torres to the crime using cell phone location data, which placed him near the ATM at the time of the explosion. Further investigation revealed that Torres had traveled to Pennsylvania the day before, purchasing $1,000 worth of fireworks, which were believed to have been used in the attack.
Legal Consequences
Torres pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Julien X. Neals in Newark federal court to one count of using an explosive to damage real property used in interstate commerce. The charge carries a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, along with a $250,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2025.
Law Enforcement Response
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Newark Field Division, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, and the Prospect Park Police Department, under Chief William Rausch, for their role in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vera Varshavsky of the U.S. Attorney’s National Security Unit in Newark.
