NEWARK, NJ – Two Newark men are facing serious federal charges after a month-long spree of violent gas station robberies across New Jersey. Ahmad Singletary, 24, and Joseph Young, 26, allegedly terrorized clerks in Middlesex, Union, and Essex counties throughout September 2023, wielding firearms and leaving some victims injured.
According to federal prosecutors, the pair meticulously targeted gas stations near major highways, striking in the early morning hours. The robberies were disturbingly efficient, often completed in under four minutes. But the speed didn’t preclude brutality. In four separate incidents, Singletary allegedly didn’t hesitate to use his weapon, striking victims in the head, causing physical harm during the commission of the crimes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced the charges Wednesday, detailing a complaint outlining one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, seven counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Singletary also faces an additional charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Both men were detained following initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer.
If convicted, the penalties are steep. The Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy charges each carry a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison. The firearm conspiracy charge could add another 10 years. Brandishing a firearm during the robberies carries a potential life sentence, with a mandatory minimum of seven years to be served consecutively. Singletary’s prior conviction could add another 15 years to his sentence. Each charge also carries the potential for fines of up to $250,000 – or double the profit gained from the robberies, whichever is greater.
The investigation was a multi-agency effort, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Newark Field Division, with significant support from the New Jersey State Police, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Newark Police Department, and several local police departments including Union, Woodbridge, and West Orange. Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller of the ATF Newark Field Division and Prosecutor William A. Daniel of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office were key figures in the collaborative effort.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Douek of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. It’s crucial to remember that these are allegations at this point, and both Singletary and Young are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the evidence presented suggests a pattern of calculated violence and a brazen disregard for the safety of innocent people working late-night shifts at local businesses.
Related Federal Cases
- Chaudhry Ahmad Farooq, Dark Web Heroin Distribution, NY 2024 · California
- Vivek Ramaswamy Rejects VP Offer, Focusing on Presidential Ambition… · Florida
- Jeffrey Phares, Cemetery Fraud, West Virginia, 2023 · Virginia
- Irina Segal, Medicare Billing for Unprovided Occupational Therapy, … · Pennsylvania
- Irina Segal, Medicare Fraud, Bucks County PA, 2023 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
