By: Richard L. Smith
Jonathan Rosales, 23, from New Brunswick, has admitted to his involvement in a violent attempted robbery that resulted in the victim being shot 14 times, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
The guilty plea was entered today in Trenton federal court before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch, marking a significant development in a case that has shocked the local community.
Rosales pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and attempted Hobbs Act robbery, stemming from a harrowing incident on December 28, 2020.
According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, Rosales, alongside accomplices Saul Peralta and Giovanni Hoyos-Jaimes, engaged in an attempted robbery in New Brunswick.
The encounter turned violent, and the victim was shot 14 times, sustaining severe injuries.
Federal authorities said Peralta and Hoyos-Jaimes have previously entered guilty pleas for their roles in this crime, demonstrating the extent of the conspiracy among the individuals involved.
The Hobbs Act, under which the charges are brought, addresses robbery and extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce, underscoring the seriousness of the offenses.
The charges against Rosales carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison for each count.
Additionally, he faces a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offenses, whichever amount is greater, illustrating the legal system's commitment to imposing substantial consequences for such violent crimes.
Rosales's sentencing is scheduled for June 10, 2024, a date that marks the next phase in this case's resolution.