A Baldwinsville man now faces at least two years in prison after admitting he robbed a bank located just off Syracuse’s campus and another in Manlius.

Nicholas Fiorini, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts of felony third-degree robbery at about 10:35 a.m. before County Court Judge Joseph Fahey.

Syracuse police arrested Fiorini last December after they say he robbed the SEFCU branch at 721 S. Crouse Ave., as well as another bank in the Town of Manlius. The credit union is next to the Orange bar and Hair Trends.

Fiorini was indicted in February on four counts: second-degree robbery, third-degree robbery and fourth-degree grand larceny – all felonies – as well as misdemeanor petty larceny.

He plead guilty as part of a plea deal that settles all charges listed in the indictment. The plea will ensure him between 2 1/3 to seven years in prison, which defense attorney Scott Brenneck said is the maximum sentence he can get in Onondaga County.

Fiorini was also charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, but Brenneck said the matter will be dealt with in Madison County.

Judge Fahey also called for a restitution order that would require Fiorini to pay back the full value of the money he stole. Brenneck said he owes $1,450 from the credit union and $835 from the bank in Manlius. He added that Fiorini could be asked to put up more money in the future once they figure out exactly how much was stolen.

Handcuffed and dressed in an orange and white striped jail uniform, Fiorini kept eye contact with the judge and occasionally fidgeted his hands. After pleading guilty, Fiorini shook hands with Brenneck, thanked him and was then escorted out of the courtroom.

His sentencing is set for June 3. He is being held on $100,000 cash or bond.

Published on May 6, 2014 at 5:12 pm

Contact Annie: apalme05@syr.edu