Philip K. Hedgespeth, Armed Robbery, New Jersey 2021

NEWARK, N.J. – A brazen attempt to rob a city barbershop five years ago has finally caught up with the suspect, a Newark man who appeared in federal court yesterday on charges of armed robbery and other crimes, the Grimy Times has learned.

Philip K. Hedgespeth, 43, is accused of attempting to rob a barbershop in Newark on the evening of May 1, 2018, brandishing a firearm at an employee and attempting to shoot the gun in the employee’s direction. However, the weapon malfunctioned, and an off-duty Newark police officer intervened, shooting Hedgespeth in the face before he fled the scene.

According to the complaint, Hedgespeth was apprehended by Newark police officers after exiting a Dodge Challenger and leading them on a brief chase on foot. At the time of his arrest, Hedgespeth was in possession of a handgun. Video surveillance recorded Hedgespeth entering the barbershop and attempting to conduct the robbery.

Hedgespeth is charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense. He is also charged with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must be imposed consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and Hedgespeth is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Newark Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

Hedgespeth made his initial appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson in Newark federal court and was detained without bail. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamel Semper of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.

The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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