Bank robbery suspect waives hearing

BY STACI WILSON

The Union Dale man accused of robbing $1,750 from the Pennstar Bank in Susquehanna in August waived his preliminary hearing Monday, Sept. 19, in New Milford District Court.

John Dockens, 28, faces one count of robbery; two counts of terroristic threats; and three counts of theft in connection with the Aug. 19 incident.

District Attorney Jason Legg said receiving stolen property charges were dropped against the man. Those charges were initially brought because the vehicle Dockens was driving had been reported stolen Aug. 14 from theAllentownarea.

Legg said theft charges related to the car had been brought against Dockens in Northampton County.

According to the police affidavit, Dockens allegedly enetered the bank branch and demanded the teller give him $10,000 “in 10 seconds or I’ll shoot someone.”

No weapon was shown during the hold-up.

The bank employee handed over money and Dockens allegedly fled the scene in a maroon Subaru station wagon.

An off-duty state trooper saw Dockens Sept. 1 at the Convenient Food Mart in Lenox Twp., sitting in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

Crystal Tripp, 25, Jermyn, was seated in the driver’s seat. She has been charged with receiving stolen property and waived her Sept. 12 preliminary hearing.

Bail for Tripp was modified and she was released on her own recognizance, pending trial.

Dockens is being held on $50,000 bail.