Jersey City Man Sentenced to 28 Years for Armed Robbery and Other Crimes

Michael Guirguis, 39, of Jersey City, was sentenced to 28 years in prison for an armed robbery at a Best Buy in East Hanover.

MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. - Michael Guirguis, a 39-year-old resident of Jersey City, has been sentenced to 28 years in New Jersey State Prison for the armed robbery of a Best Buy store. The sentencing was announced by Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and East Hanover Township Police Chief Christopher F. Cannizzo.

On May 10, 2024, the Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C., handed down the sentence, which includes 23.75 years of parole ineligibility. Guirguis was sentenced to 28 years for first-degree robbery, with additional charges of third-degree shoplifting, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon merged into the robbery charge.

A jury found Guirguis guilty on March 22, 2024, of first-degree armed robbery, third-degree shoplifting, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. Additionally, Judge Amirata found Guirguis guilty of resisting arrest. He was held at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending sentencing.

The incident occurred on May 28, 2022, when Guirguis entered the Best Buy on Route 10 in East Hanover and stole multiple iPads and iPhones valued at $4,500. During his attempted escape, he brandished a knife at an asset protection employee and a second individual outside the store. Police arrived and found Guirguis in the parking lot with the stolen items and knife in hand. He was apprehended by force after failing to comply with lawful orders.

Prosecutor Carroll credited the successful prosecution to the efforts of the trial team and support staff members, and the contributions of the East Hanover Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office General Investigation Unit.