By:LARRY MAIER
A Forest Hills man has been arrested in connection with seven bank robberies in Nassau County over the past three months, including two recent heists at the Merrick branch of the Roslyn Savings Bank, 2111 Merrick Ave.
Robert Tocci, 47, of 6933 Nansen St. in Forest Hills, was arrested on Friday, Oct. 26 and charged with seven counts of first-degree robbery. He was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Saturday, Oct. 27.
According to Robbery Squad Det. Sgt. Gary Schriffen, "confidential street information sources" led police to suspect Tocci. After locating and staking out the suspect's car in Forest Hills, police apprehended Tocci when he returned to his vehicle.
Police allege that Tocci robbed seven area banks. Three of the banks he allegedly robbed twice, authorities said. The banks police say Tocci robbed are the Astoria Federal Savings Bank in Malverne, on Aug. 7 and Oct. 24; the Dime Savings Bank in East Meadow, on Aug. 6 and Oct. 12; the North Fork Bank in Baldwin, on Oct 10; and the Roslyn Savings Bank in Merrick, on Sept. 24 and Oct. 6.
Police say proceeds from the seven robberies totaled $30,000. About $223 was recovered at the time of the arrest. If convicted, Schriffen said Tocci would face up to 15 years in jail.
