Essex County Duo Charged with Series of Gas Station Robberies Across New Jersey

Singletary and Young Face Multiple Charges Including Hobbs Act Robbery after Series of Armed Robberies Across the State.

NEWARK, NJ - In a significant development, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the charges against two Essex County men for their alleged involvement in a series of armed gas station robberies. Ahmad Singletary, 24, and Joseph Young, 26, both from Newark, are facing multiple counts following a string of robberies in September 2023.

The charges include one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during a crime of violence, seven counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Additionally, Singletary is charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Both Singletary and Young appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court on January 16, 2024, and were detained.

Court documents and statements indicate that on September 5 and 12, 2023, Singletary and Young allegedly targeted gas stations in Middlesex, Union, and Essex counties. Their modus operandi involved armed robberies in the early morning hours, targeting stations near highways, and completing the robberies swiftly, often in less than four minutes. In four of these incidents, Singletary reportedly assaulted and injured victims using a firearm.

The charges carry severe penalties. The Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy counts could result in up to 20 years in prison. The count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during a crime of violence has a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence each carry a maximum life sentence and a mandatory minimum of seven years, to be served consecutively with any other imprisonment term. Additionally, each count includes a fine of up to $250,000, or double the gain or loss from the offenses, whichever is higher. Singletary faces up to 15 years for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

The investigation leading to these charges was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, the New Jersey State Police, and several local police departments.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Douek of the General Crimes Unit in Newark represents the government in this case. It is important to note that these charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.