2021 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2021

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Information Bureau (609) 882-2000
Major Brian Polite - ext. 6514
Lt. Jeff Flynn - ext. 6516
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Sgt. Philip Curry - ext. 6515
Tpr. II Alejandro Goez - ext. 6527
Tpr. Charles Marchan - ext. 6513


State Police and Law Enforcement Partners Arrest Two Men for Committing Multiple Bank Robberies in Cape May County

Lower Township, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police have arrested Edward Hulme, 43, and Damian Leblanc, 39, both of Cape May, N.J., for allegedly committing three bank robberies and attempting to commit two bank robberies in Cape May County during a multi-agency investigation.

On December 30, 2020, detectives from the Troop “A” Criminal Investigation Office began investigating a robbery that occurred at the Sturdy Savings Bank on State Highway 47 in Dennisville, N.J. Detectives allege that a male suspect entered the bank and handed the teller a note requesting that money be placed on the counter. The teller provided cash to the suspect who then departed the bank with stolen money in a Honda CRV.

While investigating the Sturdy Savings Bank robbery, two additional robberies were committed.   On January 7, the TD Bank in Marmora, N.J was robbed, and on January 11, the TD Bank in Cape May Court House, N.J. was robbed as well.  Based on information gathered during the investigation, detectives determined that the description of the male suspect at the Sturdy Savings Bank robbery matched the description of the suspect at the TD Bank robberies. Detectives also discovered that the suspect, who fled each scene in a Honda CRV, also attempted to commit burglaries at the First Bank of Sea Isle and the Franklin Savings Bank in Ocean View, N.J. Through various investigative means, detectives identified Hulme as the suspect in the robberies and linked Leblanc to the vehicle, which investigators located at a residence on Academy Road in Lower Township where they both reside.

On Wednesday, February 3, members of the Middle Township Police Department determined that Leblanc was operating the Honda CRV in Middle Township, where he was located and arrested during a motor vehicle stop.  At the same time, detectives from the Troop “A” Criminal Investigation Office along with members of the State Police T.E.A.M.S. Unit, Middle Township Police Department, Lower Township Police Department, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Cape May County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, executed a search warrant at their residence and arrested Hulme. As a result, investigators seized heroin, Xanax bars, and clothing worn by Hulme matching the description of the clothing worn by the suspect during the robberies.

Edward Hulme and Damian Leblanc were charged with robbery, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute CDS, and possession of CDS. They were lodged at the Cape May County Jail pending a detention hearing.

This case is being prosecuted by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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