NJ Man Found Guilty on Multiple Carjacking Charges Resulting in Severe Injuries

Cedrick Hodges convicted of violent carjacking and firearm offenses; maximum sentence could include life imprisonment.

Morristown, NJ — Cedrick Hodges, 40, of Trenton, New Jersey, was found guilty on October 24, 2023, for a series of violent carjackings and firearm offenses. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the conviction, which followed a seven-day trial in Trenton federal court before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi.

The Crimes

On December 16, 2017, Hodges committed a string of violent acts in quick succession. Initially, he entered the back seat of a Toyota Camry, brandishing a sawed-off shotgun and demanding the driver to continue driving. The driver escaped, running from the vehicle while Hodges fired the shotgun in her direction.

Within moments, Hodges targeted a Honda Accord. When the driver and passenger resisted his demands to exit the vehicle, Hodges shot the driver, causing severe and lasting bodily harm. Finally, Hodges approached a man getting into a Nissan Rogue. After the man refused to surrender the keys, Hodges shot him as well, causing permanent and severe injuries.

Legal Consequences

Hodges was convicted on five counts, including carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of attempted carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

The carjacking charge alone carries a maximum potential sentence of 15 years, while the attempted carjackings could each result in a 25-year sentence. The brandishing charge carries a mandatory minimum of seven years, which must run consecutively to any other sentence. 

Additionally, the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon could add 10 years to his imprisonment. Sentencing dates have not been scheduled yet.

Investigation and Prosecution

U.S. Attorney Sellinger acknowledged the extensive collaborative efforts among various law enforcement agencies leading to Hodges’ conviction. Special agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, Hamilton Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives all participated in the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Suggs and Tracey Agnew are representing the government in the case.