By: Richard L. Smith
Jose Mercado, 22, of Jersey City, has been found guilty by an Essex County jury on multiple charges, including conspiracy, carjacking, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and various weapons offenses.
The verdict, announced by Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, relates to a violent incident that occurred on the morning of July 31, 2022.
Mercado, along with a juvenile accomplice, carjacked, robbed, and assaulted a victim at gunpoint in the 300 block of Lake Street in Newark.
Later that morning, Jersey City Police Department officers encountered Mercado in the stolen vehicle.
After a brief foot chase, Prosecutor Stephens II said both Mercado and his juvenile co-conspirator were apprehended with the victim’s money.
Police also recovered two loaded firearms used during the crime.
The trial, presided over by the Honorable Patrick J. Arre, J.S.C., saw Assistant Prosecutors Daniel Nicholas and Monica Calderon present the case.
Nicholas praised the verdict, stating, “The jury’s just verdict is a testament to the great work performed by multiple law enforcement agencies as well as the credibility of the victim.”
Calderon added, “These were a series of violent and unprovoked acts against the victim. We hope that this verdict will provide closure, and we thank the victim for coming forward to testify.”
Sentencing is scheduled for September 26, 2024, before Judge Arre.
Mercado faces up to 30 years in prison, subject to the No Early Release Act for the carjacking charge.