By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County woman was sentenced to 144 months in prison for her role in a one-night crime spree involving robberies and shootings in Jersey City, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Federal officials said Siobhan Chandler, 21, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to charges including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, attempted Hobbs
Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Judge Martinotti imposed the sentence on May 14, 2024, in Newark federal court.
The charges against her conspirator, Rodney Williams, are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
According to court documents and statements, on the evening of November 14, 2023, Chandler and Williams committed a series of robberies.
They first targeted a gas station, where Williams pointed a gun at an attendant and demanded money, threatening the employees with force and violence. After taking money, they fled the scene.
Later, Chandler and Williams entered another store, where Williams again pointed a firearm at a clerk and demanded money. The clerk complied, and the pair fled with the cash.
Their crime spree continued at a nearby restaurant. Williams pointed his gun at a cashier and demanded money.
During this robbery, Federal officials said Williams discharged the firearm, shooting the cashier in the chest.
Despite the injury, the cashier handed over money, and Chandler and Williams fled the scene.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Chandler to five years of supervised release.