Indiana County Man Accused of NexTier Bank Robbery

by Jonathan Weaver

Nearly seven weeks after a NexTier Bank branch was robbed in Manor Township, an Indiana County man has been arrested and accused of the crime.

Matthew James Crossman, 28, of Marion Center, was arrested yesterday afternoon through assistance by Pennsylvania State Police troopers in Indiana County and the Armstrong County Sheriff’s Department without incident and taken into custody.

Manor Township Police Officer Josh Stanga – who led the investigation – said he spent many long hours piecing the puzzle together, but said that Crossman’s red “Phillies” windbreaker, red sweatpants and black-and-white batting gloves might have given him away.

“We had tips based on multiple law-enforcement dealings with him and throughout the investigation, other informants identified him. He had the same clothing on him for several months, so it made him an easy target,” Officer Stanga said. “The multiple dealings that he had prior to the bank robbery with description of the same clothing helped identify him and make him the prime suspect.

“He was identified from the very beginning, so we kept a close eye on him. We knew where he was at at all times throughout the investigation until I could gather enough evidence and put a strong case together against him.”

Crossman – accused of stealing $1,350 from the Route 422 East branch along Burton Road on February 18 - was arraigned before District Magisterial Judge Gary DeComo about 5PM. Crossman is incarcerated in the Armstrong County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bond or asset.

According to online court records, Crossman is charged with nearly a dozen crimes stemming from the robbery – including six felonies (such as three different robbery counts, criminal mischief and flight to avoid apprehension). Among the misdemeanor offences, he is accused of receiving stolen property, making terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person, as well as summary harassment.

Officer Stanga thanked multiple law enforcement agencies for their cooperation during the investigation – including Pennsylvania State Police troopers in Indiana County. Officer Stanga said those state troopers helped “tremendously throughout the investigation.”

“Very cooperative – a great group of individuals out there assisted me when I needed it and helped out with some valuable information when needed,” Officer Stanga said. “A huge thank you to them.”

He also received assistance from the Attorney General’s office and the Armstrong County Sheriff’s Department – particularly Sheriff Bill Rupert and Captain Frank Pitzer.

Coincidentally, Officer Stanga has worked with Sheriff Rupert and Captain Pitzer before on other cases through the county Drug Task Force or within Ford City Borough.

“We all have a good rapport – we work well with each other and like to share information,” Officer Stanga said. “It’s not about an individual law enforcement agency. When we work together, we’ll able to handle the task at hand a lot quicker and efficiently.”

Sheriff Rupert echoed Officer Stanga’s sentiment.

“Information sharing is the only way we can fight this war on crime,” Sheriff Rupert said. “It’s no longer the State Police going one way and the municipal police going another and the Sheriff’s Office going yet another direction – we now work together as one to fight the criminal element.”

Sheriff Rupert also praised Officer Stanga and other Manor Township Police officers for their determination and hard work.

Officer Stanga also recognized the staff at NexTier Bank for their patience during the police investigation.

Even with yesterday’s arrest, the investigation is not complete.

“It’s still an ongoing investigation. There could be a couple more arrests made,” Officer Stanga said.

Crossman – who is involved in other inactive cases both in Armstrong and Indiana Counties - chose not to speak about the allegations yesterday.

Crossman’s preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday morning before District Magisterial Judge DeComo.

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  By Joe Public, April 8, 2015 @ 8:08 AM

  Good job guys!!!

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