Hudson County Duo Sentenced for Armed Robberies and Brazen Carjacking Attempt

Two men from Hudson County face substantial prison sentences after a spree of gas station robberies and a dramatic attempted carjacking involving an off-duty officer.

In a notable crackdown on violent crime, two men from Hudson County, New Jersey, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in a series of armed robberies and a high-stakes attempted carjacking. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentences, marking the conclusion of a crime spree that shook local communities.

Wendell Bradley Jr., 27, of Bayonne, received a 160-month sentence, while Joseph Brown, 26, of Jersey City, was sentenced to 92 months. Both sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court. Bradley faced charges of Hobbs Act robbery, attempted carjacking, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, to which he pleaded guilty. Brown also pleaded guilty, admitting to his role in Hobbs Act robbery and an attempted robbery.

The criminal activities unfolded between January 3 and February 4, 2022, when Bradley, sometimes accompanied by Brown, targeted gas stations across the region. Their modus operandi involved approaching gas station attendants under the pretense of filling up their car, only to then threaten the attendants with a firearm and demand money. On January 20, in Union, a terrifying encounter saw Brown brandish a gun at an attendant, threatening his life. The attendant narrowly escaped, thwarting their robbery attempt.

The duo's crime spree culminated dramatically in Secaucus, where after robbing another attendant at gunpoint, they led police on a chase that ended in Newark. In a desperate bid to escape, Bradley attempted to carjack an off-duty Essex County Sheriff’s officer by brandishing his weapon. The officer managed to disarm and detain Bradley, effectively ending the crime spree.

In addition to their prison terms, Judge Arleo sentenced both men to three years of supervised release, emphasizing the severity of their crimes and the danger they posed to public safety.

The successful resolution of this case is attributed to the collaborative efforts of several law enforcement agencies, including the ATF and local police departments from Clifton, Hillside, Jersey City, Newark, North Bergen, Secaucus, and Union. The investigation's success underscores the commitment of federal and local authorities to combat armed robbery and protect the communities of New Jersey.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Webman of the Economic Crimes Unit and Megan Linares of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark represented the government, highlighting the sophisticated coordination required to prosecute cases involving violent crimes and cyber elements effectively.