Bank Robbery Suspect from Beachwood Indicted

The bank robbery suspect from Beachwood who was fingered by an anonymous tipster after surveillance photos circulated now faces trial.

James F. Bonelli, 33, was indicted today for first-degree armed robbery of a bank, along with lesser charges of theft of U.S. currency and possession of an imitation firearm, according to information from Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato's office.

The robbery took place on November 5, 2013 at the Chase branch on Highland Parkway in Toms River. Investigators were told that someone entered, waved what appeared to be a weapon, and demanded money, hidden behind something resembling a surgical mask and dark baseball cap, authorities said.

The anonymous tip that led to Bonelli's arrest was supplemented by the discovery of a spray-painted black soft air gun, gloves and a mask near the bank, and a sweatshirt in a nearby dumpster, investigators said.

Bonelli was arrested three days after the robbery. His bail was set at $150,000 with no option for release on payment of 10 percent.

Bonelli undergoes a pre-arraignment conference within three weeks, with arraignment to follow in no more than 50 days, authorities said.