Hudson County Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Robberies and Shootings in Jersey City

Rodney Williams faces potential life in prison after admitting to involvement in four robberies and two shootings during a single night in November 2021.

A Hudson County resident, Rodney Williams, 32, of Jersey City, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to multiple charges stemming from a series of armed robberies and two shootings carried out on November 14, 2021. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

According to court documents and statements, Williams and his co-defendant, Siobhan Chandler, targeted several businesses in Jersey City. Williams, acting first on his own, robbed a store at gunpoint, demanding money from the clerk before fleeing. Later, Williams and Chandler jointly robbed a gas station, where Williams shot one attendant in the chest after demands for money were not immediately met. The pair subsequently held up another store, as well as a nearby restaurant, where Williams again fired a shot into the cashier’s chest before obtaining money and fleeing the scene.

The charges against Williams include conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Each robbery count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The firearm-related charges carry mandatory minimum terms of seven and ten years, which must run consecutively to any other prison terms. Sentencing is scheduled for April 23, 2025.

Chandler, Williams’ co-defendant, was previously sentenced on April 25, 2024, to 12 years in prison plus five years of supervised release.

The Jersey City Police Department and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited their work in bringing this case to a conclusion. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shontae D. Gray and Eli Jacobs of the Criminal Division in Newark.