Trenton Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Armed Robbery and Shooting at Federal Agent

Jabree Johnson, 30, receives 168-month federal prison sentence for assault and firearms offenses during undercover operation in Mercer County.

A Trenton resident has been sentenced to 168 months in federal prison following his guilty plea to charges related to the armed assault and robbery of a federal law enforcement officer, as well as the discharge of a firearm during the commission of the crime, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Jabree Johnson, 30, of Trenton, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp after pleading guilty to a three-count indictment. The charges included assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, robbery of an individual entrusted with federal property, and the use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

The incident occurred on March 22, 2021, during an undercover federal investigation into firearms trafficking in the Trenton and Hamilton areas. According to court documents and statements, a federal law enforcement agent working undercover arranged the purchase of a firearm with Johnson. At a prearranged meeting location, Johnson entered the agent’s vehicle and handed over a semi-automatic handgun as part of the transaction.

After the undercover agent examined the weapon and requested to see the remaining firearms Johnson had offered for sale, Johnson turned the situation into an armed robbery. He pointed the loaded weapon at the agent and demanded money. The agent complied, handing over cash intended for the firearms purchase. Johnson then ordered the agent to exit the vehicle at gunpoint.

Once outside the vehicle, the federal agent drew a service-issued firearm and shot Johnson in the shoulder. Johnson returned fire with multiple rounds before fleeing the scene with the stolen money. He was later apprehended at a local hospital, where he was treated for his injury and identified as the assailant.

In addition to the 14-year prison sentence, Judge Shipp imposed a five-year term of supervised release and ordered the forfeiture of the firearm used in the crime.

This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of ongoing federal efforts to address violent crime and illegal firearms trafficking in New Jersey communities.