Paterson Man Charged with String of Pharmacy Robberies in Passaic County

Onijee Burgess, 26, faces charges for conspiring to rob multiple pharmacies, a conspiracy involving firearms and prescription medication thefts.

Morristown, NJ - A second man from Passaic County has been arrested and charged in relation to a series of pharmacy robberies. Onijee Burgess, 26, of Paterson, made his initial appearance today in Newark federal court, adding another layer to an unfolding narrative of armed robberies in the region.

According to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, Burgess is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel and was detained pending further court proceedings.

The Timeline and Accomplices

The conspiracy allegedly spans from November 2022 to April 5, 2023. During this period, Burgess is accused of collaborating with Antonio Rivera and others to conduct seven armed robberies of five different pharmacies in Paterson and Passaic, New Jersey. The aim of these robberies was to steal prescription medication. Rivera, previously charged for two of the robberies, reportedly fired a gun and pointed it at several victims. 

"The charges against him are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty," cautioned U.S. Attorney Sellinger.

Penalties and Law Enforcement Involvement

If convicted, the Hobbs Act robbery charge against Burgess carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger acknowledged the law enforcement agencies involved in the case. Members of the FBI's New Jersey field office led the investigation, along with Paterson Police, Passaic Police, Passaic County Sheriff's Office, Clifton Police, Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, and Cedar Grove Police Department. 

These agencies operate under various leaderships including Special Agent in Charge James E. Denney, Officer in Charge Isa M. Abbassi, Police Chief Luis Guzman, Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik, Police Chief Thomas Rinaldi, Chief Jason Love, and Police Chief John J. Kennedy.

What's Next?

The case against Burgess is still in its preliminary stage. He will remain detained as the legal proceedings continue. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sophie Kaiser of the General Crimes Unit in Newark represents the government. Like Rivera, Burgess is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

By giving an account of these charges, this article aims to keep Morristown residents and the wider Morris County informed of significant legal developments that could have implications for public safety and law enforcement efforts in the area.