SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. – A Kings Park man has pleaded guilty to robbing two Flagstar Bank branches in Suffolk County during a two-day span in December, taking thousands of dollars before detectives arrested him hours after the second robbery.
Brian Blackford, 51, pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of third-degree robbery and one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced Friday. Blackford is expected to receive a prison sentence of 5½ to 11 years.
According to court documents and Blackford’s admissions during his guilty plea, he robbed Flagstar Bank branches in West Babylon and Deer Park on Dec. 8 and Dec. 10, 2025. Detectives arrested him in Copiague later on Dec. 10 and recovered cocaine, stolen cash and a demand note, prosecutors said.
- Blackford admitted robbing Flagstar Bank branches in West Babylon and Deer Park in December 2025.
- Prosecutors said the two robberies netted $5,330, with Blackford arrested hours after the second robbery.
- Blackford is due back in court Oct. 1 and is expected to be sentenced to 5½ to 11 years in prison.
Flagstar Bank Tellers Handed Demand Notes
The first robbery occurred at approximately 3:43 p.m. on Dec. 8, when Blackford entered a Flagstar Bank in West Babylon and approached a teller, according to court documents.
Prosecutors said Blackford handed the teller a note, and she gave him $1,400 before he left the bank. Police were called and opened an investigation.
Two days later, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Blackford entered another Flagstar Bank, this time in Deer Park. He handed a teller a note and pointed toward his waist in a gesture implying that he had a weapon, according to prosecutors.
The teller handed over $3,930 in cash, and Blackford left. Police responded to the bank as detectives worked to identify and locate the robber.
“This defendant walked into two banks, made a threat and walked out with stolen cash,” Tierney said. “Bank employees should never have to fear for their lives while simply doing their jobs.”
Detectives Arrest Blackford Hours After Second Robbery
Suffolk County detectives located Blackford later that day in Copiague and placed him under arrest. Prosecutors said investigators found him carrying 2.35 grams of powder cocaine and $2,700 in stolen cash.
Detectives also recovered a paper note that read, “give me $10,000 cash no funny business,” according to the district attorney’s office.
Blackford entered his guilty plea Thursday to three Class D felonies. His case is scheduled to return to court Oct. 1, when he is expected to receive the 5½-to-11-year prison sentence.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Hector Laserna of the Narcotics Bureau. Detective Joseph Bianco of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit conducted the investigation.
What did Brian Blackford plead guilty to?
Blackford pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree robbery and one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
How much money did Blackford steal from the Flagstar Bank branches?
According to prosecutors, Blackford received $1,400 during the West Babylon robbery and $3,930 during the Deer Park robbery, for a total of $5,330.
When will Brian Blackford be sentenced?
Blackford is scheduled to return to court Oct. 1 and is expected to receive a sentence of 5½ to 11 years in prison.
Sources: Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office press release, court documents and guilty plea admissions described by prosecutors.
