Mercer County Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Violent Carjackings

Cedrick Hodges, 41, of Trenton, was convicted of multiple carjacking-related offenses, including using a firearm to cause serious bodily injury, following a 2017 crime spree.

Cedrick Hodges, a Mercer County resident, was sentenced to life in prison today after being convicted of carjacking, attempted carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, and firearms violations. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

“On an evening in December 2017, Cedrick Hodges terrorized the people of Hamilton Township in a series of horrific and violent carjackings during which he shot two of his victims with a sawed-off shotgun at point blank range, inflicting on these victims permanent and life-altering injuries. Our office, together with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will spare no effort prosecuting violent offenders like Hodges. The sentence handed down today will ensure that this violent offender will never again be in a position to harm the people of New Jersey or anywhere else,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Hodges was found guilty on October 24, 2023, of all five counts in a second superseding indictment after a seven-day trial. His charges stem from a series of violent carjackings on December 16, 2017.

Details of the Crimes:

• Toyota Camry Incident: Hodges entered the backseat of a Toyota Camry armed with a loaded sawed-off shotgun. He demanded that the driver operate the vehicle, but the driver fled. As she ran, Hodges fired the shotgun at her.
• Honda Accord Attack: Minutes later, Hodges approached a Honda Accord with two occupants. He demanded they exit the vehicle and, when the driver refused, fired into the driver’s side window. The driver was struck in the torso, sustaining permanent and serious injuries.
• Nissan Rogue Attempted Carjacking: Shortly afterward, Hodges confronted a man entering a Nissan Rogue. When the man refused to hand over his keys, Hodges fired the shotgun at him, also causing permanent and serious bodily injury.

Hodges’ actions left multiple victims with life-altering injuries. As a convicted felon, he was also found guilty of unlawfully possessing a firearm during the attacks.

Prosecution and Sentencing:

The case was prosecuted as part of a federal initiative to combat violent crime. The life sentence underscores the seriousness of Hodges’ actions, with Judge Quraishi imposing the maximum penalty allowed under federal law.

Hodges’ conviction reflects the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in pursuing justice for the victims of his crimes.