Paterson Man Arrested in Connection with Armed Robberies of Pharmacies in Passaic County

A 46-year-old Paterson man, Antonio Rivera, has been arrested in connection with two armed robberies of pharmacies in Passaic County, New Jersey. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today that Rivera faces charges of interference with commerce by robbery, attempted interference with commerce by robbery, and using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

According to the complaint, Rivera robbed and attempted to rob two pharmacies in Paterson and Passaic in February and April 2023. During these incidents, he fired his gun and pointed it at several victims. Ballistic evidence confirms that the same firearm was used in both robberies.

In the February 8th incident, Rivera robbed a Paterson pharmacy at gunpoint, demanding Percocet, Morphine, and Oxycodone pills. After shooting once, pharmacy employees complied by placing medication bottles in Rivera's backpack. He then fired another round before leaving the scene with cash from the register.

On April 5th, Rivera attempted to rob a Passaic pharmacy, pointing his handgun at an employee's head and demanding cash. When the employee refused, Rivera demanded pills, aimed his weapon at other employees, and fired a shot before fleeing through the rear exit.

Each interference with commerce by robbery count carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, while discharging a firearm during a crime of violence carries a maximum of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. Each count also carries a potential $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the FBI Newark Violent Incident Crimes Task Force and local law enforcement agencies for their roles in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sophie Kaiser of the General Crimes Unit in Newark represents the government.

The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and Rivera is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.