Detectives lauded for work on bank robbery
BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer

MATAWAN - FBI officials honored two of Matawan's finest at the Borough Council meetingMay 19 for their involvement in the apprehension of bank robberswho terrorized local banks in 2005.

Detective Sgt. Ben Smith and Detective Matt O'Boyle were presented with certificates of appreciation at the meeting, acknowledging their service in the investigation of a bank robbery spree that occurred in 2005 and culminatedwith a trial in late 2007.

Supervisory SpecialAgent Frank O'Neill and SpecialAgent R.J. Gallagher were present to award the two detectives a token of the FBI's appreciation, signed by FBI Director Robert S.Mueller.

According to U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie, on Feb. 26, Kreig "Chub" Prosper, 25, ofWoodbridge,was sentenced to 66 years and two months in prison, and Shenez "Randy" Lawrence, 33, of Perth Amboy, was sentenced to 68 years and eight months in prison.

The twomenwere convicted of the armed robbery of the Sun National Bank on Main Street and two other banks.

The pair walked away with more than $239,000 fromtheMatawan bank on Jan. 15, 2005; $37,000 from the bank in Holmdel on Aug. 9, 2005; and $278,000 froma Sovereign Bank inWoodbridge on Dec. 9, 2005.

"These gentlemen were instrumental in the apprehension and conviction of this bank robbery ring," O'Neill said. "Detective O'Boylewas on hand to collect evidence from one of the residences of one of the convicted individuals. We just want the people of Matawan to knowthat these are the kinds of police officers you have serving you in Matawan."

O'Boyle and Smithwere introduced at the meeting by Capt. JamesAustin.Members of the Matawan Police Department were also present.

"We are all proud of the service our police provide for us," Mayor Paul Buccellato said.