A New Jersey woman, Ciara Brascom, is accused of robbing a TD Bank in Princeton using a water gun painted to look like a real firearm.
Prosecutors say the 39-year-old, disguised in a COVID mask, red glasses, and a blue hat, brandished the fake weapon at the teller and stole $60,500.
The incident occurred in July, and authorities revealed details of the case last week, according to the New York Post.
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The Montgomery Township woman allegedly used a fake gun to rob the bank not too long before 2 pm, passing a note that read “Give me the money,” and threatening to “use the gun if the bank’s alarm was activated”.
A teller escorted her to the vault, where she grabbed $60,500 before fleeing, officials said.
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Authorities identified and charged Brascom in September after she met with federal agents. She later admitted that financial struggles led her to commit the robbery, prosecutors said.
“In particular, she admitted that she went to a store to purchase an imitation, toy gun that looked like an authentic gun to use during the robbery,” the criminal complaint alleges.
“She stated that the store lacked such a toy gun, so she instead purchased a pack of water pistols and can of black spray paint to make it look more realistic,” the complaint reads.
If convicted, Brascom faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, officials said.
