By: Richard L. Smith
Vincent Chan-Guillen, a 33-year-old man from Union County, has been sentenced to 407 months (over 33 years) in prison following his conviction in a series of armed robberies across multiple states. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentencing, which was handed down by U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark federal court on Monday.
Federal officials said Chan-Guillen was found guilty on March 8, 2023, of multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during a Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of brandishing a gun during a Hobbs Act robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
His conviction followed a one-week trial.
The court documents and evidence presented at the trial revealed that between August 2018 and November 2018, Chan-Guillen committed nine armed robberies - five in New York and four in New Jersey. In each incident, he threatened store employees and customers with a firearm.
The New Jersey robberies specifically targeted liquor stores in Elizabeth, Woodbridge Township, Bloomfield, and Linden.
Along with the prison sentence, Judge Chesler also ordered Chan-Guillen to undergo five years of supervised release following his incarceration.
This case represents a significant crackdown on violent crime, with federal authorities emphasizing the seriousness of armed robbery and the commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.