By: Najla Alexander
NJ authorities announced that two Essex County men were charged with seven gunpoint robberies of gas stations located in different parts of New Jersey in September 2023.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said Ahmad Singletary, 24, and Joseph Young, 26, both of Newark, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; seven counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Officials stated that Singletary is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Singletary and Young each made their initial appearance on Jan. 16, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and were detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On three occasions on Sept. 5, 2023, and four occasions on Sept. 12, 2023, Singletary and Young robbed gas stations in Middlesex, Union, and Essex counties, officials said.
Authorities say the defendants targeted gas stations on or near highways, used a firearm, committed the robberies in the early morning, and performed the robberies in approximately four minutes or less.
During the course of four of the robberies, Singletary threatened, assaulted, and struck victims in the head with a firearm, causing physical injuries, officials said.
The Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery counts each carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, officials said, while the conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence count carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison.
The using, carrying, and brandishing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence counts each 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 term of imprisonment imposed, officials said.
Officials stated each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offenses, whichever is greatest.
According to officials, Singletary is subject to a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison for the charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.