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Essex County Man Receives 27.5 Years in Prison for East Orange Cell Phone Store Robbery
Kenneth Graham sentenced for Hobbs Act robbery and firearm-related charges; mandated to pay restitution and undergo supervised release.
Morristown, NJ – Kenneth Graham, 50, of Newark, has been sentenced to 330 months (27.5 years) in federal prison for his role in the armed robbery of a cell phone store in East Orange, New Jersey. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and took place on October 25, 2023, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martini.
The Main Points
- Who: Kenneth Graham, 50, of Newark.
- What: Convicted of Hobbs Act robbery and using a firearm during a crime of violence.
- When: Sentenced on October 25, 2023, for a robbery that occurred on January 18, 2021.
- Where: Sentencing took place in Newark federal court; robbery occurred in an East Orange cell phone store.
- Why: Caught on video surveillance and corroborated by historical cell phone records.
- How: Sentenced to 330 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,773 in restitution.
According to evidence presented at trial, Graham entered the cell phone store on January 18, 2021. He brandished a gun and directed an employee to place multiple cell phones and cash from the register into a bag. He then exited the store and was seen on video surveillance entering a black Nissan Altima and driving away. A witness identified Graham as the individual entering the vehicle.
Historical cell phone records indicated that Graham’s phone was in the vicinity of the store at the time of the robbery. Additionally, photographs on his phone showed him wearing a sweatshirt with a distinctive logo, which matched the attire he wore during the robbery as seen in surveillance footage.
Beyond his prison sentence, Judge Martini ordered Graham to undergo five years of supervised release and pay restitution amounting to $2,773.
The successful investigation and sentencing were the result of collaborative work by the FBI and the East Orange Police Department. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents, task force officers, and local police for their roles in bringing Graham to justice.
As with any case, it's important to remember that the actions for which Graham has been convicted and sentenced are based on evidence presented in court.
