He admits to robbing South Main Street bank with knife
Justin R. Burgess of Duke’s Parkway in Manville pleaded guilty today, Friday, to first-degree armed robbery and third-degree possession of a knife for an unlawful purpose.
Mr. Burgess, 20, accepted the state’s offer of a negotiated plea before Superior Court Judge Julie M. Marino.
Police said Mr. Burgess, 20, entering the Manville branch of the Somerset Savings Bank on South Main Street on March 4 at about 10:11 a.m., brandishing a knife to a teller and demanding money. The teller turned over some and Mr. Burgess fled the bank. A short time later, Mr. Burgess was caught in Franklin Township with currency that authorities later identified as from the bank.
The plea offer recommends he be sentenced to 10 years in state prison. He would be required to serve about eight years and five months of a 10-year term before becoming eligible for parole. After that, he would also be under parole supervision for an additional five years.
Mr. Burgess is lodged in the Somerset County Jail awaiting sentencing, which has been scheduled for Friday, Aug. 23.

