Suffolk police have arrested a former Mount Sinai man they believe is responsible for several bank robberies in the tri-state area.
Steven P. Bertuglia, 34, was taken into custody Tuesday on Westcliff Drive in Mount Sinai after officers recognized his vehicle. Bertuglia allegedly robbed banks in Suffolk and Nassau counties, New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut during the past three months.
The suspect, who currently does not have a permanent address, was charged with third-degree robbery for five of the incidents. Bertuglia first held up the North Fork Bank branch in Nesconset on March 10, police said. He has also been charged for robberies in Bayport, Sayville, Ronkonkoma and Rocky Point.
Suffolk police said it worked on the case with units of the Nassau County Police Department, New York City Police Department and the Long Island regional office of the FBI.
Bertuglia is implicated in two robberies in Albertson and one each in Glen Oaks, Hicksville and Queens. The most recent robbery took place on June 15. Police said charges are expected for those incidents and the investigation is ongoing.
Bertuglia faces 17 to 35 years in prison if convicted.