Extradition of alleged Bronx bank robber sought

The United States is seeking the extradition of an alleged armed bank robber who it is claimed lost both his gun and his haul of $12,600 while departing the scene.

The US is seeking the surrender of James O'Gara (aged 32) a native of New Jersey, whose was believed to have been living in Edward Square, Galway City for the robbery of a bank in the Bronx, New York, April 2 2007.

Today at the High Court Mr Justice John McMenamin remanded O'Gara in custody. O'Gara was remanded to appear back before the High Court next week.

It is claimed that Mr O'Gara entered a branch of the Country Bank in the New York City Borough of the Bronx with a handgun. It was further claimed masked and wearing a hat, and ordered the teller to put money, some $12,600 (more than €8400) into a bag.

After that was done he left the bank. However it is claimed that he was seen by witnesses removing articles of clothing by witnesses and that he lost both the bag containing the money and the gun.

Following an investigation Mr O'Gara, a US citizen, was due to go before a New York court in 2008. However it is claimed that he failed to show up and the FBI established that he had gone to Ireland.