Carjacking Suspect Arrested in Essex County, New Jersey
A brazen carjacking in Montclair, New Jersey, has led to the arrest of a 23-year-old man from Newark. Andy Cook, 23, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of carjacking, and one count of conspiracy to use a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court, the carjacking occurred on December 6, 2021. Cook’s accomplice approached the victim, who was inside her car parked on her driveway, and pointed a firearm at the victim, ordering them to leave their belongings and exit the car. Cook then entered the car and drove it away.
The victim called the police, and law enforcement officers spotted the vehicle. Cook abandoned the vehicle in Newark and fled on foot before being apprehended.
Cook is scheduled to appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate James B. Clark III. If convicted, the count of conspiracy to commit carjacking carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of carjacking carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of conspiracy to use a firearm during a crime of violence carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dong Joo Lee of the Violent Crimes Unit.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Cook’s current status is pending his appearance before the U.S. Magistrate.
Background information on case:
– Defendant: Andy Cook
– Charges: Conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking, conspiracy to use a firearm during a crime of violence
– City and State: Newark, New Jersey
– Exact Date of Crime: December 6, 2021
– Sentence or Outcome: Pending
– Dollar Amount: $250,000 (fine for each charge)
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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