Howell man pleads guilty in pair of bank heists
On June 22, Justin Grabowski, 26, of Howell, appeared in state Superior Court, Freehold Borough, and entered a guilty plea to two counts of second degree robbery. Grabowski entered his guilty plea before Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci Jr.

Grabowski is scheduled to appear before Mellaci for sentencing on Sept. 18, according to a press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

Grabowski entered his guilty plea pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement. Pursuant to the terms of Grabowski's plea agreement, the prosecutor's office will recommend that Mellaci sentence Grabowski to an aggregate state prison term of 12 years, according to the press release.

Under the terms of the New Jersey "No Early Release Act," Grabowski will have to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before becoming eligible for release on parole.

The charges against Grabowski stem from an investigation into two robberies of the same Neptune Township branch of Commerce Bank that took place on different dates in August 2008.

On Aug. 13, 2008, a man entered the bank, on Route 66, and gave a handwritten note to a teller. The note demanded $100 bills, $50 bills, and $20 bills.

On Aug. 23, 2008, the same man again entered the bank and again gave a handwritten note to a teller. This note also demanded $100 bills, $50 bills, and $20 bills.

The demand notes also cautioned the bank tellers against making any sudden movements.

During the investigation, witnesses positively identified Grabowski as the individual who committed the two robberies, according to the press release.

The terms of the plea agreement were reached after consultation with the manager of the bank.

Grabowski is being held at the Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township, in lieu of $500,000 bail, which was set by Superior Court Judge Daniel M. Waldman.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin said, "Grabowski was brazen in his decision to twice target the same banking institution. The plea agreement will protect the bank and its depositors from Grabowski for a protracted period."