By: Richard L. Smith
Two Brooklyn men received lengthy prison sentences for their involvement in a series of armed robberies targeting check-cashing businesses in New Jersey and surrounding states, according to information released by the U.S. Department of Justice. 
Ramel Harris, 43, and Neville Brown, 40, both from Brooklyn, New York, were sentenced to 186 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark.
The pair previously pleaded guilty to charges including Hobbs Act conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime.
Between January 2021 and January 2022, Harris and Brown carried out three gunpoint robberies in Parsippany, Old Bridge, and Hackettstown, New Jersey.
According to court documents, they restrained employees with zip ties and stole over $563,000.
The men also attempted to rob a check cashing location in Nanuet, New York, and were linked to additional surveillance activities in Mount Kisco, New York, and Allentown and West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Evidence gathered during the investigation, including surveillance footage and cell phone records, connected Harris and Brown to the robberies.
In addition to their prison sentences, Judge Cecchi ordered both men to serve five years of supervised release.
The U.S. Department of Justice emphasized the severity of these crimes and commended law enforcement for their work in holding Harris and Brown accountable.
