Triad of Armed Robbery Suspects Face Serious Charges in Passaic County

In a string of violent armed robberies in August 2022, three men from New Jersey are indicted, facing severe legal repercussions.

Three New Jersey men, Kareem Powell, Carlos Diaz, and Edward Porter, have been charged with multiple counts of armed robbery and firearm offenses following a series of violent incidents in Passaic County, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

NEWARK, NJ – A disturbing spree of armed robberies in Passaic County has led to serious charges against three men, Kareem Powell, 30, of Willingboro, and Carlos Diaz and Edward Porter, both 30, from Paterson. The U.S. Attorney's Office disclosed that the trio is accused of committing multiple armed robberies in August 2022, escalating fears in the local communities.

Kareem Powell faces two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in connection with crimes of violence. After his arrest on November 21, 2023, Powell appeared in federal court in Newark and was subsequently detained.

Powell's co-defendants, Diaz and Porter, were previously indicted on similar charges. The latest superseding indictment adds more counts, intensifying the legal challenges they face.

Details of the Crime Spree: 

The indictment details a chilling narrative. On August 22, 2022, the trio allegedly robbed a Passaic bodega and a Paterson business, menacing customers and employees at gunpoint and stealing several thousand dollars. Their criminal activities continued the following evening, with Diaz and Porter accused of robbing a Passaic liquor store and another business in Paterson, involving violent confrontations with victims.

Each count of brandishing a firearm during a crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, underscoring the severity of these allegations. Additionally, the Hobbs Act robbery charge can result in up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Investigation: 

The investigation, leading to these charges, was a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and the local police departments of Passaic and Paterson.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Schuman is representing the government in this case.

While these charges paint a grave picture of the accused's alleged actions, it is important to remember that they remain accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, ensuring a fair trial and due process.

This case highlights the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in tackling violent crime and ensuring public safety in New Jersey communities. The ongoing legal process will determine the ultimate outcome for Powell, Diaz, and Porter in this alarming series of violent robberies.