Essex County Woman Pleads Guilty to Jersey City Crime Spree Involving Robberies and Shootings

Siobhan Chandler, a 21-year-old resident of Newark, Essex County, confessed to her involvement in a series of robberies and shootings that terrorized Jersey City on the night of November 14, 2023. This admission was made in the Newark federal court, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Newark, NJ – Siobhan Chandler's guilty plea in federal court marks a decisive moment in a case that has captured the attention of Jersey City and beyond. Chandler faced charges of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

The court heard how, on November 14, 2023, Chandler, alongside Rodney Williams, whose charges remain unproven and is presumed innocent, embarked on a crime spree. Their first target was a gas station, where Williams, brandishing a firearm, coerced the attendant into surrendering money. This pattern of intimidation continued as they robbed another store and a restaurant. The crime spree escalated tragically when Williams shot a cashier in the chest during a robbery at the restaurant.

Chandler's plea exposes the grave nature of these crimes, with each count of Hobbs Act robbery carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Additionally, the charge of using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence has a minimum sentence of 10 years and could extend to life imprisonment. Notably, the firearm charge necessitates consecutive sentencing to any other prison term. Each count also includes a potential fine of up to $250,000. Chandler's sentencing is scheduled for April 17, 2024.

In their investigation, the Jersey City Police Department and the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office played pivotal roles, under the leadership of Acting Chief Robert J. Kearns and Prosecutor Esther Suarez, respectively. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also contributed crucial support in this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray, of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark, represents the government in this high-profile case.