NEWARK, NJ – Nicolas Torres, a 41-year-old resident of Passaic, New Jersey, has been charged following his alleged use of an explosive to damage a Chase Bank ATM in Prospect Park. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the charges, which include damaging real property used in interstate commerce and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
Torres was detained after appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court.
The incident occurred in the early hours of July 5, 2022, when Torres was reportedly seen on surveillance footage igniting an item in front of the ATM, leading to an explosion.
He was observed fleeing the scene with two other individuals. Cell phone location data and the purchase of approximately $1,000 worth of fireworks in Pennsylvania the day before the incident link Torres to the crime scene. Investigators found cardboard marked “MgAl” at the site, indicating the use of magnalium, a compound that can create an explosive when ignited, in the attack.
The charge of using an explosive to damage property used in interstate commerce could result in a minimum of five years to a maximum of 20 years in prison, along with a $250,000 fine. Additionally, the charge for possession of an unregistered firearm could lead to up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.