East Rockaway bank robber sentenced

Six months in jail, five years’ probation for Capital One heist

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Robert Land, of East Rockaway, was sentenced on Aug. 18 to six months in jail followed by five years of probation for a robbery he committed at the Capital One bank on Main Street in East Rockaway on May 18. Land waived his right to an appeal, and was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution.

“This defendant brazenly robbed an East Rockaway bank in broad daylight,” Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said. “Now he’s headed to jail, with an order to pay restitution to his victim.”

Land, 40, who lives on Second Avenue, pleaded guilty on July 13 to third-degree robbery.

According to Nassau County Police Department Robbery Squad detectives, Land entered the bank, at 115 Main St., at 9:45 a.m. on May 18, approached a teller, presented a note demanding money and made the demand verbally as well. The teller complied, handing over an undisclosed amount of cash. Land then fled on foot, heading south on Bailey Avenue toward Davis Avenue.

There were six employees and three customers in the bank at the time.

A clear surveillance photo was taken of Land’s face, and he was found at his home later that evening and arrested without incident by police. According to police, he was found in possession of heroin.

This was the third robbery at the bank this year. Police said they had not connected this incident with the previous two, but an investigation was continuing.

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