Somerset County Woman Charged with Bank Robbery in Princeton

The defendant allegedly brandished what appeared to be a gun, and threatened the teller if the alarm was activated, before fleeing with over $60k.

Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced that a 39-year-old Somerset County resident, Ciara Brascom, has been charged with bank robbery following an alleged armed theft of $60,500 from a Princeton financial institution. Brascom, of Skillman, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court on February 11, 2025, where she was advised of the charge against her.

Alleged Details of the Robbery

According to court documents and statements made during the proceeding, the robbery occurred on July 28, 2024, at a bank in Princeton, New Jersey. Brascom allegedly entered the bank holding a black handgun (or an item appearing to be one). She warned she would use it if the alarm was triggered. The suspect later fled with approximately $60,500 in cash.

A federal bank robbery charge carries up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited numerous agencies: FBI agents, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark; the Princeton Police Department, under Chief Christopher Tash; and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, headed by Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard G. Shephard of the Criminal Division in Trenton is handling the government's case.

All charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.