Mocobizscene- Federal authorities have charged two men from New Jersey in connection with seven gunpoint robberies of gas stations that occurred in September.

Ahmad Singletary, aged 24, and Joseph Young, aged 26, both residents of Newark, have been charged with the following offenses:

- 7 counts of Hobbs Act robbery
- 2 counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
- Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery
- Conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence

Singletary faces an additional charge of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

The Hobbs Act, named after Congressman Sam Hobbs of Alabama, was enacted in 1946. It prohibits actual or attempted robbery or extortion that affects interstate or foreign commerce. It also forbids conspiracy to do so.

Alleged Crime Spree

Federal officials have reported that there were three incidents on September 5th and four occurrences on September 12th.

Singletary and Young robbed gas stations in Middlesex, Union, and Essex counties. 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.

Potential Penalties

Both men could potentially face life imprisonment along with fines that exceed $250,000.

- Using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence – up to life in prison
- Hobbs Act robbery – up to 20 years in prison
- Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery – up to 20 years
- Conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence – up to 10 years