Alfuquan Turner, Knifepoint Robbery, New Jersey 2019

A brazen knifepoint robbery left a Harrison, New Jersey, taxi company shaken in 2019. On Sept. 23, 2019, Alfuquan Turner, 46, walked into the cab company armed with a knife and covering his face with a plastic bag. He demanded money from the cab company’s dispatcher, who was left shaken by the ordeal.

Turner stole the dispatcher’s jewelry, cell phone, and other items, leaving the victim traumatized. This wasn't Turner's first run-in with the law – he has two previous convictions for robbery, as well as other prior felony convictions.

On June 2022, Turner was convicted at trial of one count of Hobbs Act robbery before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini. The Hobbs Act robbery charge carries severe penalties, and Turner's history of prior convictions likely influenced the judge’s decision.

On today, Turner was sentenced to 115 months in prison for his role in the knifepoint robbery. In addition to the prison term, Judge Martini sentenced Turner to three years of supervised release. This extended sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences of committing violent crimes.

The investigation that led to Turner's sentencing was a collaborative effort involving the FBI, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Harrison Police Department, and N.J. Transit Police Department. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger praised the agents and investigators for their work in bringing Turner to justice.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shontae D. Gray and Sophie E. Reiter. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

Defendant: Alfuquan Turner

Criminal Charges: one count of Hobbs Act robbery

City and State: Newark, New Jersey

Date: Sept. 23, 2019 (crime date), June 2022 (sentencing)

Sentence: 115 months in prison and three years of supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/newark-man-sentenced-115-months-prison-role-knifepoint-robbery