By: Richard L. Smith
Charles Johnson, a 28-year-old resident of Irvington, has been sentenced to 138 months in prison for a series of armed robberies targeting pharmacies in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger made the announcement following the sentencing, which took place in Camden federal court under U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams.
Johnson, who had previously admitted guilt to three counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, faced Judge Williams' final judgment today.
His crimes carried out throughout June and July 2022, involved the armed robbery of three different pharmacies.
His method was consistent: brandishing a firearm in the early hours, he demanded oxycodone, promethazine, and other prescription medications from the pharmacy employees, threatening violence against anyone present.
The case against Johnson was strongly supported by extensive video surveillance footage, which was crucial in linking him to the crimes.
Beyond the prison sentence, Johnson is also subject to three years of supervised release, marking the end of a crime spree that put the safety of pharmacy employees and customers at risk.