BEAUMONT, TX—A 22-year-old Beaumont man has been convicted of multiple crimes related to an armed carjacking spree in April 2012 in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Timothy Wayne Harris, Jr., a/k/a “J,” was found guilty by a jury following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield.
According to information presented in court, on April 17-18, 2012, Harris and Jerry Lee Edwards, 38, went on a crime spree outside a Beaumont restaurant and convenience store, Carl’s Jr. and the Calder Food Mart. On May 2, 2012, a federal grand jury indicted Harris and Edwards and charged them with two counts of carjacking, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking. The men have been detained since their arrests on April 24, 2012. The case was delayed for 17 months by psychiatric examinations of Harris, who was the gunman and leader of the offenses. Late last year, Harris was determined to be competent to stand trial.
The jury today convicted Harris of all five counts. Harris faces a sentence of between 50 years and life in federal prison. Edwards pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to commit carjacking, admitting that he knowingly joined in the crimes. Edwards faces up to five years in federal prison. Sentencing dates have not been set.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Time Machine Initiative. Time Machine is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence; deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition, and body armor; and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The case was investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Cockrell.
Showing posts with label carjacking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label carjacking. Show all posts
Friday, March 28, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Arrest of Adrian Rosa Colon, Jehovanie Miranda-Reyes, and Juan A. Bauza-Saez
SAN JUAN, PR—Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Division announced the arrest of ADRIAN ROSA-COLON, JEHOVANIE MIRANDA-REYES, and JUAN A. BAUZA-SAEZ. On March 21, 2014, ADRIAN ROSA-COLON, JEHOVANIE MIRANDA-REYES, and JUAN A. BAUZA-SAEZ were taken into custody by the FBI and charged with carjacking.
A federal complaint states that on March 20, 2014, two adults and one minor went to the supermarket Brisas del Toa in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, to purchase groceries. The victims exited the supermarket and began placing groceries into their vehicle. As the victims placed the groceries into their vehicle, ROSA-COLON, MIRANDA-REYES, and BAUZA-SAEZ approached the victims from behind, on foot. ROSA-COLON then placed a weapon, later identified as a black and gray pistol, into the stomach of Victim #1, and demanded her personal belongings and the car. MIRANDA and BAUZA-SAEZ stood beside Victim #2 and Minor Victim, likewise demanding the car from the victims.
The victims surrendered their personal jewelry items, valuables, and car keys to the three subjects. The three subjects then entered the victims’ car and drove away in it, leaving all three victims stranded at the supermarket. The victims immediately reported the crime to bystanders within the supermarket, who notified the Police of Puerto Rico (POPR).
POPR dispatch notified patrol officers in the Toa Alta area of the carjacking, including the description of the vehicle. Approximately 10 minutes after the carjacking, two POPR patrol officers in the vicinity of Toa Alta proceeded on PR-165 towards the Brisas del Toa supermarket. While en route to the supermarket, the officers observed the stolen vehicle being driven on PR-165. The patrol officers notified POPR dispatch that they observed the stolen vehicle and confirmed that it was the stolen vehicle. The POPR officers attempted to stop vehicle, and the subjects driving it refused to stop. The POPR officers initiated pursuit of the stolen vehicle, which traveled towards Dorado on PR-165.
During the POPR pursuit, the stolen vehicle lost control and crashed into a bystander vehicle on PR-165. ROSA-COLON, MIRANDA-REYES, and BAUZA-SAEZ exited the stolen vehicle, and began to flee into a wooded area. The POPR officers observed one of the subjects trip and fall while fleeing. As the subject fell, a weapon dropped from his waistband, later identified as a black and gray plastic/fake pistol, which he left behind.
A POPR helicopter was summoned to aid the search of the wooded area, and ROSA-COLON was apprehended immediately. The POPR patrol officers identified ROSA-COLON as the subject they had seen trip and fall while fleeing from the stolen vehicle, dropping the plastic/fake pistol. MIRANDA-REYES was apprehended by POPR in this wooded area during the early morning hours of March 21, 2014.
In the afternoon of March 21, 2014, BAUZA-SAEZ was turned over to the PRPD Toa Alta Precinct by his father, who informed the officers that his son was the third person involved in the carjacking that occurred the day before.
If convicted, the defendants face up to a maximum of 15 years in prison. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Zenon and is being investigated by the FBI.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A federal complaint states that on March 20, 2014, two adults and one minor went to the supermarket Brisas del Toa in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, to purchase groceries. The victims exited the supermarket and began placing groceries into their vehicle. As the victims placed the groceries into their vehicle, ROSA-COLON, MIRANDA-REYES, and BAUZA-SAEZ approached the victims from behind, on foot. ROSA-COLON then placed a weapon, later identified as a black and gray pistol, into the stomach of Victim #1, and demanded her personal belongings and the car. MIRANDA and BAUZA-SAEZ stood beside Victim #2 and Minor Victim, likewise demanding the car from the victims.
The victims surrendered their personal jewelry items, valuables, and car keys to the three subjects. The three subjects then entered the victims’ car and drove away in it, leaving all three victims stranded at the supermarket. The victims immediately reported the crime to bystanders within the supermarket, who notified the Police of Puerto Rico (POPR).
POPR dispatch notified patrol officers in the Toa Alta area of the carjacking, including the description of the vehicle. Approximately 10 minutes after the carjacking, two POPR patrol officers in the vicinity of Toa Alta proceeded on PR-165 towards the Brisas del Toa supermarket. While en route to the supermarket, the officers observed the stolen vehicle being driven on PR-165. The patrol officers notified POPR dispatch that they observed the stolen vehicle and confirmed that it was the stolen vehicle. The POPR officers attempted to stop vehicle, and the subjects driving it refused to stop. The POPR officers initiated pursuit of the stolen vehicle, which traveled towards Dorado on PR-165.
During the POPR pursuit, the stolen vehicle lost control and crashed into a bystander vehicle on PR-165. ROSA-COLON, MIRANDA-REYES, and BAUZA-SAEZ exited the stolen vehicle, and began to flee into a wooded area. The POPR officers observed one of the subjects trip and fall while fleeing. As the subject fell, a weapon dropped from his waistband, later identified as a black and gray plastic/fake pistol, which he left behind.
A POPR helicopter was summoned to aid the search of the wooded area, and ROSA-COLON was apprehended immediately. The POPR patrol officers identified ROSA-COLON as the subject they had seen trip and fall while fleeing from the stolen vehicle, dropping the plastic/fake pistol. MIRANDA-REYES was apprehended by POPR in this wooded area during the early morning hours of March 21, 2014.
In the afternoon of March 21, 2014, BAUZA-SAEZ was turned over to the PRPD Toa Alta Precinct by his father, who informed the officers that his son was the third person involved in the carjacking that occurred the day before.
If convicted, the defendants face up to a maximum of 15 years in prison. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Zenon and is being investigated by the FBI.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Essex County Man Convicted of Carjacking
NEWARK—An Essex County, New Jersey man has been convicted on all counts in connection with a March 2012 carjacking, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced today.
Anthony Jefferson, 21, of Newark, was convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of carjacking, and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a carjacking following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court. The jury deliberated two hours before returning the guilty verdicts on March 3, 2014.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
On the morning of March 11, 2012, Jefferson and Sharod Culp, 21, of Newark, approached two individuals who were sitting in a parked 2009 Hyundai Sonata in the area of Patterson Street in Newark. Culp pointed a firearm at the victims, and both Culp and Jefferson ordered the victims to get out the car. After robbing and taunting the victims, Culp and Jefferson fled the area in the carjacked vehicle.
After the carjacked vehicle was recovered, it was processed for evidence, and latent fingerprints identified to be those of Culp and Jefferson were found inside the vehicle. Both victims positively identified Culp as one of the people who carjacked them; one of the victims also identified Jefferson to be the other person who carjacked them. Culp pleaded guilty in July 2013 to carjacking and brandishing a weapon in furtherance of a carjacking and is awaiting sentencing.
The charge of carjacking carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each of the two counts also carries a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark; the Newark Police Department, under the leadership of Acting Director Sheilah A. Coley; and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray; as well as criminal investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark with the investigation leading to the conviction.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Frazer and Elizabeth Harris of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Anthony Jefferson, 21, of Newark, was convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of carjacking, and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a carjacking following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court. The jury deliberated two hours before returning the guilty verdicts on March 3, 2014.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
On the morning of March 11, 2012, Jefferson and Sharod Culp, 21, of Newark, approached two individuals who were sitting in a parked 2009 Hyundai Sonata in the area of Patterson Street in Newark. Culp pointed a firearm at the victims, and both Culp and Jefferson ordered the victims to get out the car. After robbing and taunting the victims, Culp and Jefferson fled the area in the carjacked vehicle.
After the carjacked vehicle was recovered, it was processed for evidence, and latent fingerprints identified to be those of Culp and Jefferson were found inside the vehicle. Both victims positively identified Culp as one of the people who carjacked them; one of the victims also identified Jefferson to be the other person who carjacked them. Culp pleaded guilty in July 2013 to carjacking and brandishing a weapon in furtherance of a carjacking and is awaiting sentencing.
The charge of carjacking carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each of the two counts also carries a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark; the Newark Police Department, under the leadership of Acting Director Sheilah A. Coley; and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray; as well as criminal investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark with the investigation leading to the conviction.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Frazer and Elizabeth Harris of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Carjacking and Firearms Charges
ALBUQUERQUE—Raul Ortega, 21, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, pleaded guilty this morning to federal carjacking and firearms charges, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven C. Yarbrough, Special Agent Carol K.O. Lee of the Albuquerque Division of the FBI, and Chief Allen Banks of the Albuquerque Police Department.
Ortega and co-defendant Joel Meeks, 20, also of Albuquerque, were arrested in April 2013 on an eight-count indictment charging the pair with offenses stemming from a series of armed robberies of commercial businesses and home invasions, including armed robbery and carjacking, occurring in Bernalillo County, New Mexico from December 6, 2012 to January 17, 2013.
During today’s proceedings, Ortega pleaded guilty to Counts 5, 6, and 7 of the indictment, charging him with two carjackings. In his plea agreement and with respect to Counts 5 and 6, Ortega admitted that on January 13, 2013, he and Meeks forcibly entered a residence and robbed the owner of credit cards, his identification, and other items. Ortega also admitted that he and Meeks physically assaulted the victim to obtain the PIN for his ATM card, his car keys, and the location of his car. Before departing, Ortega and Meeks threatened the victim’s life if he reported the crime to the police. Ortega admitted that he was armed with a handgun while committing these crimes.
In his plea agreement and with respect to Count 7, Ortega also admitted that on January 17, 2013, he and Meeks forcibly entered another residence and physically assaulted the owner. After restraining the victim, Meeks and Ortega robbed him of his credit cards, ATM cards, and other items. After obtaining the PIN for the victim’s ATM card by threatening him further physical abuse, Meeks and Ortega also robbed the victim of his car keys and car.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Ortega will be sentenced to a prison term of 12 to 20 years to be determined by the court. Ortega has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Meeks has pleaded not guilty and remains in federal custody pending trial which currently is scheduled March 3, 2014. The charges against Meeks are merely accusations and Meeks is presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department with assistance from the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon K. Stanford as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Ortega and co-defendant Joel Meeks, 20, also of Albuquerque, were arrested in April 2013 on an eight-count indictment charging the pair with offenses stemming from a series of armed robberies of commercial businesses and home invasions, including armed robbery and carjacking, occurring in Bernalillo County, New Mexico from December 6, 2012 to January 17, 2013.
During today’s proceedings, Ortega pleaded guilty to Counts 5, 6, and 7 of the indictment, charging him with two carjackings. In his plea agreement and with respect to Counts 5 and 6, Ortega admitted that on January 13, 2013, he and Meeks forcibly entered a residence and robbed the owner of credit cards, his identification, and other items. Ortega also admitted that he and Meeks physically assaulted the victim to obtain the PIN for his ATM card, his car keys, and the location of his car. Before departing, Ortega and Meeks threatened the victim’s life if he reported the crime to the police. Ortega admitted that he was armed with a handgun while committing these crimes.
In his plea agreement and with respect to Count 7, Ortega also admitted that on January 17, 2013, he and Meeks forcibly entered another residence and physically assaulted the owner. After restraining the victim, Meeks and Ortega robbed him of his credit cards, ATM cards, and other items. After obtaining the PIN for the victim’s ATM card by threatening him further physical abuse, Meeks and Ortega also robbed the victim of his car keys and car.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Ortega will be sentenced to a prison term of 12 to 20 years to be determined by the court. Ortega has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Meeks has pleaded not guilty and remains in federal custody pending trial which currently is scheduled March 3, 2014. The charges against Meeks are merely accusations and Meeks is presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department with assistance from the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon K. Stanford as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Lenoir City Residents Arrested on Federal Charges
KNOXVILLE—Joshua Hayworth, 23, and Timothy E. Chudley, 35, both of Lenoir City, Tennessee, were charged on February 5, 2014, with federal Hobbs Act violations for their roles in the January 30, 2014 robbery of a Lenoir City Burger King restaurant.
Chudley was arrested in Knoxville on February 5, 2014, without incident and appeared in federal court the same day. Hayworth was arrested on state charges on February 3, 2014, following a series of events which also resulted in federal carjacking charges against Hayworth. He will appear in federal court at a later date.
The criminal complaint on file with the U.S. District Court charges both men with federal Hobbs Act violations, while Hayworth is also charged with carjacking. The complaint alleges that Hayworth, with the assistance of Chudley, planned the robbery of the Lenoir City Burger King, which was carried out on January 30, 2014. According to the complaint, on February 3, 2014, Hayworth was observed driving a stolen vehicle in Knoxville, which Hayworth abandoned in a trailer park on Bob Gray Road, as law enforcement pursued.
Later the same day, Hayworth is accused of carjacking another vehicle from a pregnant female on Doubletree Lane in Knoxville, which he wrecked on Bob Gray Road. After fleeing on foot, it is alleged that Hayworth broke into a residence, where he was apprehended by law enforcement. Follow-up investigation by the multiple agencies involved uncovered Chudley’s role in the robbery scheme.
The arrests are the result of joint efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF), composed of the FBI, Knoxville Police Department (KPD), and Knox County Sheriff’s Department (KCSO); the Lenoir City Police Department; KPD; KCSO; Loudon County Sheriff’s Office; and the Clinton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Norris will represent the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that the complaint constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Chudley was arrested in Knoxville on February 5, 2014, without incident and appeared in federal court the same day. Hayworth was arrested on state charges on February 3, 2014, following a series of events which also resulted in federal carjacking charges against Hayworth. He will appear in federal court at a later date.
The criminal complaint on file with the U.S. District Court charges both men with federal Hobbs Act violations, while Hayworth is also charged with carjacking. The complaint alleges that Hayworth, with the assistance of Chudley, planned the robbery of the Lenoir City Burger King, which was carried out on January 30, 2014. According to the complaint, on February 3, 2014, Hayworth was observed driving a stolen vehicle in Knoxville, which Hayworth abandoned in a trailer park on Bob Gray Road, as law enforcement pursued.
Later the same day, Hayworth is accused of carjacking another vehicle from a pregnant female on Doubletree Lane in Knoxville, which he wrecked on Bob Gray Road. After fleeing on foot, it is alleged that Hayworth broke into a residence, where he was apprehended by law enforcement. Follow-up investigation by the multiple agencies involved uncovered Chudley’s role in the robbery scheme.
The arrests are the result of joint efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF), composed of the FBI, Knoxville Police Department (KPD), and Knox County Sheriff’s Department (KCSO); the Lenoir City Police Department; KPD; KCSO; Loudon County Sheriff’s Office; and the Clinton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Norris will represent the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that the complaint constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Police arrest 4 in carjacking and death of Dustin Friedland outside Mall at Short Hills
SHORT HILLS - Four men have been arrested in connection with last weekend's deadly carjacking at the Mall at Short Hills, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.
The suspects have been identified as 29-year-old Hanif Thompson, of Irvington; 31-year-old Karif Ford, of Newark; 32-year-old Basim Henry, of Newark; and 33-year-old Kevin Roberts, also of Newark.
Dustin Friedland, 30, was shot in the head Sunday night in front of his wife in a parking garage after shopping at the mall. Police say two suspects then took off with his Range Rover. Friedland, who lived in Hoboken, died several hours later.
READ MORE: New Jersey Crime Stories
The investigation involved authorities from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA, FBI, New Jersey State Police and the Milburn and Newark police departments.
Police found the abandoned Range Rover in Newark the following day. Investigators say "old-fashioned police work" and tips from the public allowed them to track down the suspects.
Prosecutors say it appears that Friedland was targeted specifically because the suspects were interested in his vehicle.
The four suspects are being charged with murder, felony murder, carjacking, conspiracy, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. They were arrested overnight.
Three of the suspects were taken into custody in New Jersey, and the fourth was arrested in Pennsylvania, according to prosecutors.
The suspects are each being held on $2 million bail. The suspects face life in prison if convicted.
The suspects have been identified as 29-year-old Hanif Thompson, of Irvington; 31-year-old Karif Ford, of Newark; 32-year-old Basim Henry, of Newark; and 33-year-old Kevin Roberts, also of Newark.
Dustin Friedland, 30, was shot in the head Sunday night in front of his wife in a parking garage after shopping at the mall. Police say two suspects then took off with his Range Rover. Friedland, who lived in Hoboken, died several hours later.
READ MORE: New Jersey Crime Stories
The investigation involved authorities from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA, FBI, New Jersey State Police and the Milburn and Newark police departments.
Police found the abandoned Range Rover in Newark the following day. Investigators say "old-fashioned police work" and tips from the public allowed them to track down the suspects.
Prosecutors say it appears that Friedland was targeted specifically because the suspects were interested in his vehicle.
The four suspects are being charged with murder, felony murder, carjacking, conspiracy, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. They were arrested overnight.
Three of the suspects were taken into custody in New Jersey, and the fourth was arrested in Pennsylvania, according to prosecutors.
The suspects are each being held on $2 million bail. The suspects face life in prison if convicted.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Newark Man Pleads Guilty to 17 Armed Robberies, an Armed Carjacking, and a Shooting
NEWARK, NJ—A Newark, New Jersey man today admitted committing 17 armed robberies of commercial establishments throughout Union, Essex, and Bergen counties, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Bobby Dawson, 30, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William H. Walls to a three-count information charging him with committing an armed carjacking, conspiring to commit Hobbs Act robberies, and discharging a firearm during the commission of one of those robberies.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Dawson conspired with others to rob commercial establishments as follows:
Dawson and his conspirators robbed each of these establishments at gunpoint, stealing cash, cigarettes, and other items. In 15 of the 17 robberies, Dawson and his conspirators used zipties or duct tape to restrain their victims.
In the MS&K robbery on April 1, 2013, Dawson threatened the clerk of the store with a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun. When the clerk resisted, Dawson fired his gun at the clerk, ordered the clerk to lie down, and then stole $9,000 from the cash register.
In the robbery of Krauszers in West Orange on April 24, 2013, Dawson and his conspirator tied up three individuals in the store with zipties before stealing approximately $600 and several cartons of cigarettes. Dawson injured a store employee by hitting the victim in the head with his firearm. The armed carjacking to which Dawson pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The Hobbs Act conspiracy to which Dawson pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable by a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss arising out of the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Belleville, Bloomfield, Kearny, Linden, Maplewood, Newark, Paramus, Verona, and West Orange Police Departments, along with the New Jersey State Police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for their work on this case. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamari Buxton and Rahul Agarwal of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Bobby Dawson, 30, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William H. Walls to a three-count information charging him with committing an armed carjacking, conspiring to commit Hobbs Act robberies, and discharging a firearm during the commission of one of those robberies.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Dawson conspired with others to rob commercial establishments as follows:
| Business | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pao Da Terra | Newark | December 29, 2012 |
| Lukoil | Newark | January 20, 2013 |
| Newark Community Pharmacy | Newark | January 24, 2013 |
| Linden Stationary | Linden | February 1, 2013 |
| Delta Gas Station | Newark | February 1, 2013 |
| Shoppers Express | Belleville | February 2, 2013 |
| Krauszers | Kearny | February 10, 2013 |
| Krauszers | Bloomfield | February 13, 2013 |
| Pat’s Deli | Newark | February 19, 2013 |
| Smashburger | Paramus | March 16, 2013 |
| Krauszers | Bloomfield | March 29, 2013 |
| MS&K Confectionery | Maplewood | April 1, 2013 |
| Belleville News and Food | Belleville | April 17, 2013 |
| South Wood Discount Liquor | Linden | April 17, 2013 |
| Krauszers | West Orange | April 24, 2013 |
| Newark Community Pharmacy | Newark | May 1, 2013 |
| Subway Restaurant | Verona | May 20, 2013 |
In the MS&K robbery on April 1, 2013, Dawson threatened the clerk of the store with a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun. When the clerk resisted, Dawson fired his gun at the clerk, ordered the clerk to lie down, and then stole $9,000 from the cash register.
In the robbery of Krauszers in West Orange on April 24, 2013, Dawson and his conspirator tied up three individuals in the store with zipties before stealing approximately $600 and several cartons of cigarettes. Dawson injured a store employee by hitting the victim in the head with his firearm. The armed carjacking to which Dawson pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The Hobbs Act conspiracy to which Dawson pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable by a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss arising out of the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Belleville, Bloomfield, Kearny, Linden, Maplewood, Newark, Paramus, Verona, and West Orange Police Departments, along with the New Jersey State Police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for their work on this case. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamari Buxton and Rahul Agarwal of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Victor M. Duluc-Mendez and a Minor Arrested in Connection with Carjacking
SAN JUAN—Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Juan Division, announced the arrest of Victor Manuel Duluc-Mendez and a minor involved in carjacking. On September 28, 2013, Victor Manuel Duluc-Mendez and a minor were taken into custody by the FBI. Victor Manuel Duluc-Mendez and the minor were charged with carjacking.
A federal complaint states that on September 8, 2013, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a carjacking and murder were committed on Road 853, kilometer 8.8, Rosa Alvarez Sector in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Roy Figueiredo-Ramos (victim), an adult male, arrived at the Las Dalias Public Housing Project in San Juan, around 11:45 a.m. and parked in front of building 29 of the public housing project. An unknown male, later identified as Victor Manuel Duluc-Mendez (Duluc-Mendez approached the victim and inquired with him if he was interested in selling the vehicle. The victim replied no but that he was willing to rent it. Another male (“Person 1”) was also present during the conversation. Shortly after, another male individual identified as AAD (minor) joined the conversation. AAD expressed that he liked the 2002 Toyota Camry.
Duluc-Mendez, AAD, and Person 1 stepped away from the victim’s vehicle and started a conversation stating they were going to take the vehicle and keep it for themselves. AAD went into his apartment on the fourth floor of building 29 to grab a pistol. The pistol was a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson with a silver color slide and black bottom.
Person 1 left the group and returned driving a black-color Hyundai Accent vehicle, accompanied by another individual (“Person 2”), and instructed Duluc-Mendez to drive the victim’s vehicle and for AAD to get in the rear right passenger seat. Person 1 instructed Duluc-Mendez to follow the Hyundai Accent.
Duluc-Mendez drove the victim’s vehicle into the Banco Popular Branch, located at Plaza Escorial shopping center with AAD and the victim. Person 1 and Person 2 stayed outside the Banco Popular branch immediate area. Duluc-Mendez parked the vehicle in the Banco Popular’s parking lot. AAD requested the victim’s ATM card and the PIN. The victim complied and gave the ATM card to Duluc-Mendez. Duluc-Mendez went to the ATM and withdrew $150.
Duluc-Mendez departed the Banco Popular Branch along with the victim and AAD. Person 1 and Person 2 also departed the area. Duluc-Mendez followed Person 1 towards Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. While driving through a rural area between Trujillo Alto and Carolina, Person 1 stopped the Hyundai Accent. Duluc-Mendez stopped behind Person 1’s vehicle. Person 1 opened the driver side door of his vehicle and yelled “Aqui” (meaning "Here"). AAD told the victim to step out to verify a flat tire on the vehicle. The victim and AAD exited the vehicle. The victim verified the front right tire of the vehicle and when he turned around in the direction of AAD, AAD produced the pistol, pointed it at the victim’s head, and fired one shot. The victim fell to the ground and succumbed to the sustained wounds.
Upon shooting the victim, Person 1 yelled, "Vamonos que por aqui vive mi mama" (meaning “Let’s go, my mom lives close by”). AAD got into the front right passenger side of the victim’s vehicle, and Duluc-Mendez drove away following Person 1 and Person 2. They all returned to Las Dalias PHP. Upon arriving to Las Dalias PHP, AAD told Person 1 the victim’s vehicle belongs to him now since he killed the victim.
If convicted, the defendants face up to a maximum of life in prison for taking a vehicle from a person by force and violence or by intimidation (carjacking).
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Justin Martin, and it is being investigated by the Save Our Streets (SOS) Task Force, composed of the FBI, Police of Puerto Rico, and the San Juan Municipal Police.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A federal complaint states that on September 8, 2013, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a carjacking and murder were committed on Road 853, kilometer 8.8, Rosa Alvarez Sector in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Roy Figueiredo-Ramos (victim), an adult male, arrived at the Las Dalias Public Housing Project in San Juan, around 11:45 a.m. and parked in front of building 29 of the public housing project. An unknown male, later identified as Victor Manuel Duluc-Mendez (Duluc-Mendez approached the victim and inquired with him if he was interested in selling the vehicle. The victim replied no but that he was willing to rent it. Another male (“Person 1”) was also present during the conversation. Shortly after, another male individual identified as AAD (minor) joined the conversation. AAD expressed that he liked the 2002 Toyota Camry.
Duluc-Mendez, AAD, and Person 1 stepped away from the victim’s vehicle and started a conversation stating they were going to take the vehicle and keep it for themselves. AAD went into his apartment on the fourth floor of building 29 to grab a pistol. The pistol was a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson with a silver color slide and black bottom.
Person 1 left the group and returned driving a black-color Hyundai Accent vehicle, accompanied by another individual (“Person 2”), and instructed Duluc-Mendez to drive the victim’s vehicle and for AAD to get in the rear right passenger seat. Person 1 instructed Duluc-Mendez to follow the Hyundai Accent.
Duluc-Mendez drove the victim’s vehicle into the Banco Popular Branch, located at Plaza Escorial shopping center with AAD and the victim. Person 1 and Person 2 stayed outside the Banco Popular branch immediate area. Duluc-Mendez parked the vehicle in the Banco Popular’s parking lot. AAD requested the victim’s ATM card and the PIN. The victim complied and gave the ATM card to Duluc-Mendez. Duluc-Mendez went to the ATM and withdrew $150.
Duluc-Mendez departed the Banco Popular Branch along with the victim and AAD. Person 1 and Person 2 also departed the area. Duluc-Mendez followed Person 1 towards Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. While driving through a rural area between Trujillo Alto and Carolina, Person 1 stopped the Hyundai Accent. Duluc-Mendez stopped behind Person 1’s vehicle. Person 1 opened the driver side door of his vehicle and yelled “Aqui” (meaning "Here"). AAD told the victim to step out to verify a flat tire on the vehicle. The victim and AAD exited the vehicle. The victim verified the front right tire of the vehicle and when he turned around in the direction of AAD, AAD produced the pistol, pointed it at the victim’s head, and fired one shot. The victim fell to the ground and succumbed to the sustained wounds.
Upon shooting the victim, Person 1 yelled, "Vamonos que por aqui vive mi mama" (meaning “Let’s go, my mom lives close by”). AAD got into the front right passenger side of the victim’s vehicle, and Duluc-Mendez drove away following Person 1 and Person 2. They all returned to Las Dalias PHP. Upon arriving to Las Dalias PHP, AAD told Person 1 the victim’s vehicle belongs to him now since he killed the victim.
If convicted, the defendants face up to a maximum of life in prison for taking a vehicle from a person by force and violence or by intimidation (carjacking).
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Justin Martin, and it is being investigated by the Save Our Streets (SOS) Task Force, composed of the FBI, Police of Puerto Rico, and the San Juan Municipal Police.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Memphis Man Sentenced to 292 Months in Prison for Carjacking, Weapons Possession
MEMPHIS, TN—Mario Evans, 33, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced to 292 months in prison on Friday following his guilty plea to carjacking, using a firearm during a violent crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to facts presented at sentencing, on July 18, 2008 Evans and an accomplice carjacked a woman in the parking lot of the Walmart located at 3950 Austin Peay Highway, Memphis. Evans brandished a semi-automatic pistol and ordered the woman to exit her 2007 Ford Escape and give him the keys. After she exited the vehicle, Evans demanded her purse and struck the woman on the hand with the pistol, breaking her little finger.
The victim’s son attempted to intervene, and Evans pointed the gun at his face and threatened him. Evans and his accomplice then left the scene in the victim’s vehicle. They were picked up shortly thereafter by Memphis Police Department officers.
On August 11, 2011, Evans appeared before U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr. and pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of carjacking, and one count of using a weapon during the commission of a violent crime (carjacking). In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Mays ordered Evans to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Bartlett Police Department, and Germantown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel French represented the government.
According to facts presented at sentencing, on July 18, 2008 Evans and an accomplice carjacked a woman in the parking lot of the Walmart located at 3950 Austin Peay Highway, Memphis. Evans brandished a semi-automatic pistol and ordered the woman to exit her 2007 Ford Escape and give him the keys. After she exited the vehicle, Evans demanded her purse and struck the woman on the hand with the pistol, breaking her little finger.
The victim’s son attempted to intervene, and Evans pointed the gun at his face and threatened him. Evans and his accomplice then left the scene in the victim’s vehicle. They were picked up shortly thereafter by Memphis Police Department officers.
On August 11, 2011, Evans appeared before U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr. and pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of carjacking, and one count of using a weapon during the commission of a violent crime (carjacking). In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Mays ordered Evans to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Bartlett Police Department, and Germantown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel French represented the government.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Newark Man Pleads Guilty to Carjacking
NEWARK, NJ—A Newark man today admitted his role in a shotgun carjacking in Little Falls, New Jersey, on October 30, 2011, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Hanzah Darby, 24, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of theft of a motor vehicle by force, violence, and intimidation and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
During his guilty plea proceeding, Darby admitted that on October 30, 2011, he and another individual were in the Little Falls area when they spotted a parked 2008 BMW 335 with passengers inside. Darby and his conspirator—who allegedly brandished a shotgun—approached the car and ordered the occupants out of the vehicle at gunpoint.
Ivan Lee, 25, of Newark, is charged with Darby in the indictment, and the charges against him remain pending.
Darby and Lee then took the car and fled the area. Law enforcement officers recovered the car in Newark on November 7, 2011. Darby was standing next to it at the time.
The carjacking charge to which Darby pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The firearm charge carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each of the two counts also carries a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is currently scheduled for November 18, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark; officers of the Little Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Dmuchowski; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Rick Fuentes; and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, with the investigation leading to today’s plea.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
As for Lee, the charges and allegations contained in the indictment against him are merely allegations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Hanzah Darby, 24, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of theft of a motor vehicle by force, violence, and intimidation and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
During his guilty plea proceeding, Darby admitted that on October 30, 2011, he and another individual were in the Little Falls area when they spotted a parked 2008 BMW 335 with passengers inside. Darby and his conspirator—who allegedly brandished a shotgun—approached the car and ordered the occupants out of the vehicle at gunpoint.
Ivan Lee, 25, of Newark, is charged with Darby in the indictment, and the charges against him remain pending.
Darby and Lee then took the car and fled the area. Law enforcement officers recovered the car in Newark on November 7, 2011. Darby was standing next to it at the time.
The carjacking charge to which Darby pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The firearm charge carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each of the two counts also carries a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is currently scheduled for November 18, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark; officers of the Little Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Dmuchowski; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Rick Fuentes; and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, with the investigation leading to today’s plea.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
As for Lee, the charges and allegations contained in the indictment against him are merely allegations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Men from California and Texas Plead Guilty to Federal Kidnapping Charge
ALBUQUERQUE—Brandon Lawrence Jones, 35, of San Diego,
California, and Jesus Manuel Gallegos, 41, of El Paso, Texas, have
entered guilty pleas to an indictment charging them with a federal
kidnapping charge.
Jones entered his guilty plea on December 28, 2012, and Gallegos entered his guilty plea on January 3, 2013. Both guilty pleas were entered without the benefit of plea agreements.
Court records reflect that, on the night of November 5, 2011, Jones and Gallegos carjacked and kidnapped a man as he was leaving a basketball game in El Paso, Texas.
Using an air pistol that resembled a semi-automatic pistol, Jones forced the victim to get into the passenger seat of the victim’s vehicle. Gallegos later joined Jones and the victim in the vehicle.
After directing the victim to identify banks at which the victim maintained accounts, Jones took bank cards out of the victim’s wallet; forced the victim to reveal the PINs for his bank accounts; and withdrew cash from the victim’s bank accounts.
During this time, Jones and Gallegos repeatedly struck the victim in the face and body with their fists.
Jones and Gallegos drove the vehicle from El Paso to Clines Corner, New Mexico. During one stop, they tied the victim’s hands and feet with duct tape but later released him from the restraints when they realized that it might be hard to explain a restrained passenger as they crossed through the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint at Hatch, New Mexico.
During a stop in Albuquerque, Jones and Gallegos continued to use the victim’s bank card to withdraw money from the victim’s bank accounts.
When they arrived at Clines Corner in the early morning of November 6, 2011, Jones and Gallegos parked the vehicle at a truck stop and fell asleep.
After ensuring his kidnappers were asleep, the victim escaped from the vehicle and sought help from restaurant employees at the Clines Corner truck stop, who called 911 and helped the victim contact family members in El Paso.
Shortly afterward, officers of the New Mexico State Police and Torrance County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jones and Gallegos, who were still asleep in the victim’s vehicle.
When they were arrested, Jones was in possession of a wallet containing the victim’s driver’s license, and Gallegos was in possession of one of the victim’s bank cards. In the vehicle, the officers found an air pistol, which looked like a semi-automatic pistol with a laser site; ATM receipts; and wads of used duct tape.
Jones and Gallegos were arrested on federal charges on November7, 2011, and have been in federal custody since that time.
At their sentencing hearings, which have yet to be scheduled, Jones and Gallegos each face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque Division of the FBI and the New Mexico State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles L. Barth and William Pflugrath and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Rowley.
Jones entered his guilty plea on December 28, 2012, and Gallegos entered his guilty plea on January 3, 2013. Both guilty pleas were entered without the benefit of plea agreements.
Court records reflect that, on the night of November 5, 2011, Jones and Gallegos carjacked and kidnapped a man as he was leaving a basketball game in El Paso, Texas.
Using an air pistol that resembled a semi-automatic pistol, Jones forced the victim to get into the passenger seat of the victim’s vehicle. Gallegos later joined Jones and the victim in the vehicle.
After directing the victim to identify banks at which the victim maintained accounts, Jones took bank cards out of the victim’s wallet; forced the victim to reveal the PINs for his bank accounts; and withdrew cash from the victim’s bank accounts.
During this time, Jones and Gallegos repeatedly struck the victim in the face and body with their fists.
Jones and Gallegos drove the vehicle from El Paso to Clines Corner, New Mexico. During one stop, they tied the victim’s hands and feet with duct tape but later released him from the restraints when they realized that it might be hard to explain a restrained passenger as they crossed through the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint at Hatch, New Mexico.
During a stop in Albuquerque, Jones and Gallegos continued to use the victim’s bank card to withdraw money from the victim’s bank accounts.
When they arrived at Clines Corner in the early morning of November 6, 2011, Jones and Gallegos parked the vehicle at a truck stop and fell asleep.
After ensuring his kidnappers were asleep, the victim escaped from the vehicle and sought help from restaurant employees at the Clines Corner truck stop, who called 911 and helped the victim contact family members in El Paso.
Shortly afterward, officers of the New Mexico State Police and Torrance County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jones and Gallegos, who were still asleep in the victim’s vehicle.
When they were arrested, Jones was in possession of a wallet containing the victim’s driver’s license, and Gallegos was in possession of one of the victim’s bank cards. In the vehicle, the officers found an air pistol, which looked like a semi-automatic pistol with a laser site; ATM receipts; and wads of used duct tape.
Jones and Gallegos were arrested on federal charges on November7, 2011, and have been in federal custody since that time.
At their sentencing hearings, which have yet to be scheduled, Jones and Gallegos each face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque Division of the FBI and the New Mexico State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles L. Barth and William Pflugrath and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Rowley.
Two Essex County Men Charged in Connection with Stealing Three Cars in One Day
NEWARK—Two Essex County, New Jersey men appeared in
Newark federal court today in connection with charges arising out of
three carjackings that occurred on the same day in March 2012 in Essex
and Hudson counties, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Louis Holmes, 24, of Newark, is charged in a five-count complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking; three counts of theft of a motor vehicle by force, violence, and intimidation; and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Rosendo Perez, 24, of Irvington, is charged in the same complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking; one count of theft of a motor vehicle by force, violence, and intimidation; and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Both were already in state custody when they were charged by complaint on December 20, 2012. They both made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court today.
According to the criminal complaint:
On the afternoon of March 27, 2012, Holmes and Perez approached two individuals who were sitting in a parked 2009 Acura TL in the area of South 17th Street in Newark. Holmes pointed a firearm at the victims, and both Holmes and Perez ordered the victims out of the car. Holmes and Perez then fled the area in the carjacked vehicle.
That night, Holmes accosted an individual who was approaching a parked 2010 Nissan Maxima, in which another individual was sitting. The car was parked in a McDonald’s parking lot on Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City. Holmes pointed a firearm at the victims, demanded the car keys, and ordered one victim out of the car. Holmes then fled the area in the carjacked vehicle.
One hour later, Holmes approached an individual who was standing near a 2008 Nissan Altima in the area of Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Newark. Holmes pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded the car keys. Holmes then fled the area in the carjacked vehicle.
The next day, police observed the 2009 Acura TL, which was carjacked during the afternoon of the prior day. A motor vehicle pursuit ensued through the cities of Newark and East Orange until Perez, the driver of the carjacked vehicle, lost control of the car and crashed. Holmes was a passenger of the carjacked vehicle. Both Holmes and Perez exited the carjacked vehicle and attempted to flee the area but were apprehended shortly after the crash. Just before he was apprehended, Holmes allegedly threw a handgun loaded with six hollow-point rounds to the ground.
The charge of conspiracy to commit carjacking (count one) is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. The carjacking counts (count two, four, and five) each are punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (count three) is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each of the five counts also carries a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez in Newark; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio and Chief Sheilah A. Coley; and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray; the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Acting Police Director Robert Kakoleski and Chief Thomas J. Comey; the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Gaetano T. Gregory, as well as criminal investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Colone of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Louis Holmes, 24, of Newark, is charged in a five-count complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking; three counts of theft of a motor vehicle by force, violence, and intimidation; and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Rosendo Perez, 24, of Irvington, is charged in the same complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking; one count of theft of a motor vehicle by force, violence, and intimidation; and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Both were already in state custody when they were charged by complaint on December 20, 2012. They both made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court today.
According to the criminal complaint:
On the afternoon of March 27, 2012, Holmes and Perez approached two individuals who were sitting in a parked 2009 Acura TL in the area of South 17th Street in Newark. Holmes pointed a firearm at the victims, and both Holmes and Perez ordered the victims out of the car. Holmes and Perez then fled the area in the carjacked vehicle.
That night, Holmes accosted an individual who was approaching a parked 2010 Nissan Maxima, in which another individual was sitting. The car was parked in a McDonald’s parking lot on Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City. Holmes pointed a firearm at the victims, demanded the car keys, and ordered one victim out of the car. Holmes then fled the area in the carjacked vehicle.
One hour later, Holmes approached an individual who was standing near a 2008 Nissan Altima in the area of Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Newark. Holmes pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded the car keys. Holmes then fled the area in the carjacked vehicle.
The next day, police observed the 2009 Acura TL, which was carjacked during the afternoon of the prior day. A motor vehicle pursuit ensued through the cities of Newark and East Orange until Perez, the driver of the carjacked vehicle, lost control of the car and crashed. Holmes was a passenger of the carjacked vehicle. Both Holmes and Perez exited the carjacked vehicle and attempted to flee the area but were apprehended shortly after the crash. Just before he was apprehended, Holmes allegedly threw a handgun loaded with six hollow-point rounds to the ground.
The charge of conspiracy to commit carjacking (count one) is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. The carjacking counts (count two, four, and five) each are punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (count three) is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each of the five counts also carries a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez in Newark; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio and Chief Sheilah A. Coley; and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray; the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Acting Police Director Robert Kakoleski and Chief Thomas J. Comey; the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Gaetano T. Gregory, as well as criminal investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Colone of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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