North Jersey Men Receive Prison Sentences for Violent Taxi Robbery and Shooting

Walter Williams-Lang and Naeem Jackson were sentenced to over seven years each for armed robbery and the shooting of a taxi driver in 2022.

In a significant ruling announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, two New Jersey men, Walter Williams-Lang, 22, of Elizabeth, and Naeem Jackson, 24, of East Orange, have been sentenced to prison terms for their involvement in the armed robbery and shooting of a taxi driver. The sentencing, delivered by U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler in Camden federal court, marks the culmination of a case that has highlighted issues of violent crime and public safety in the state.

Williams-Lang received an 87-month prison sentence today, while Jackson was sentenced on November 29, 2023, to 103 months. Both men had previously admitted to charges including attempted Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and possess a firearm in a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Jackson faced additional counts of Hobbs Act robbery and carjacking.

The case dates back to May 14, 2022, when the defendants, armed with a loaded firearm, attacked a taxi driver, demanding fares and subsequently shooting the victim. Additionally, Jackson confessed to another incident on May 5, 2022, where he similarly robbed a taxi driver, stealing the driver’s fares, cellphone, wallet, and vehicle.

Both defendants must undergo three months of supervised release following their prison terms. The successful resolution of this case is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Elizabeth Police Department, led by Director Earl J. Graves and Police Chief Giacommo Sacca, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller, Newark Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry O’Connell of the OCDETF Unit in Newark led the prosecution.

This sentencing underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing violent street crimes and the commitment of the judiciary to impose stringent penalties on those who perpetrate such acts, ensuring public safety remains a top priority.