Albanian National Sentenced For NJ Bank Robberies

Federal prosecutors say an Albanian national who robbed two northern New Jersey banks has been sentenced to nine years in prison.

Arlind Hyseni also was ordered Tuesday to pay $20,715 in restitution. The 31-year-old Clifton resident also will have to serve three years of supervised release once he's freed from prison.

Also known as Shpend Mazari and Luie Belushi, Hyseni admitted he was armed with a gun when he robbed TD bank branches in Clifton and Wallington late 2011.  He was initially charged as Mazari, but admitted at his plea hearing that Hyseni is his real name.

During Tuesday's hearing, prosecutors noted Hyseni was convicted in absentia in Albania of robbery resulting in death and illegal possession of military weapons. He was sentenced to 25 years in that case.

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