By: Richard L. Smith
Two men from Hudson County have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a series of armed robberies at gas stations, according to a statement released by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Wendell Bradley Jr., 27, of Bayonne, was sentenced on October 10, 2024, to 160 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo.
His accomplice, Joseph Brown, 26, of Jersey City, received a 92-month prison sentence from the same judge on October 3, 2024. Both men had previously pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the robberies.
Bradley admitted to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, attempted carjacking, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Brown pleaded guilty to attempted Hobbs Act robbery and Hobbs Act robbery.
Court documents reveal that between January 3 and February 4, 2022, Bradley, sometimes with Brown, targeted gas stations in New Jersey.
They would approach attendants under the pretense of refueling, then brandish a firearm and demand money.
On one occasion, on January 20, 2022, in Union, Brown pointed a gun at a gas station attendant, threatened to kill him, and attempted to rob him. Bradley also assaulted the attendant, but the victim managed to escape before any money was stolen.
Their crime spree came to an end after the pair robbed another gas station at gunpoint in Secaucus.
A police chase ensued, leading officers from Secaucus to Newark, where Bradley crashed the getaway car.
Both men attempted to flee on foot, and Bradley approached an off-duty Essex County Sheriff’s officer, threatening him with a gun and demanding his car. The officer disarmed and detained Bradley.