Suspect Arrested in Connection with Mountain Lakes Bank Robbery

Joint Effort Leads to Federal Custody for Man Accused of November Heist in Morris County

In a successful culmination of investigative efforts, authorities have announced the arrest of Tony Winst, a 46-year-old from Cresskill, New Jersey, in relation to a bank robbery that unfolded on November 17, 2023, in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. This arrest was confirmed by Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Mountain Lakes Police Chief Shawn Bennett.

The incident, which took place at the PNC Bank located at 425 Boulevard in Mountain Lakes, saw a male suspect enter the bank around 11:15 a.m. and demand cash. Remarkably, the suspect managed to execute the robbery without displaying or threatening the use of any weapon, escaping with an estimated $1,000 in cash.

Thanks to a coordinated investigation involving local New Jersey law enforcement and federal agencies, Winst was apprehended in New York City on March 9, 2024. He is currently being held in federal custody, with the case set to be prosecuted at the federal level, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the incident.

The arrest is a testament to the collaborative efforts of numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Mountain Lakes Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The prosecution's focus on federal charges underscores the gravity of bank robbery offenses and the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring public safety and holding perpetrators accountable. The community is encouraged to come forward with any additional information about this case by contacting the Newark FBI at 973-792-3000 or 1-800-CALL-FBI, as investigators continue to piece together the events that led to this audacious theft.