ROCHESTER – Two men have been arrested and charged by Criminal Complaint with committing a series of bank robberies in Gates and Auburn in upstate New York. Brandon Rothenburgh, 34, and James Nicholson, 34, both of Syracuse, are charged with conspiring to commit bank robbery and bank robbery. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.   

The defendants allegedly robbed the First Niagara Bank at 2632 Lyell Avenue in Gates on June 18, and again on August 7. The Complaint also alleges that Rothenburgh and Nicholson also robbed the Citizens Bank at 2042 Chili Avenue in Gates on July 12 and the Bank of America at 185 Grant Avenue, in Auburn, August 30. 

According to the Complaint, the defendants wore disguises and rubber gloves when they entered the banks. The robber then vaulted over the teller counter and demanded cash before jumping back over the counter and exiting the bank.