NEWARK, N.J. — A gritty duo from Hudson County, New Jersey, has confessed to a string of armed gas station robberies that terrorized local communities. Wendell Bradley Jr., 27, of Bayonne, and Joseph Brown, 26, of Jersey City, have pleaded guilty to their crimes before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court.
Bradley, the ringleader, faced charges including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, attempted carjacking, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Brown was charged with attempted Hobbs Act robbery and Hobbs Act robbery.
The duo’s spree began on January 3, 2022, with a series of daring gas station holdups. They would approach gas pumps, demand money from attendants at gunpoint, and occasionally threaten them with death. On one occasion, Brown pointed a firearm at an attendant in Union, New Jersey, and threatened to kill him before being interrupted by his partner, Bradley.
Their final heist took place on February 4, 2022, in Secaucus. After robbing a gas station attendant, they fled the scene in a high-speed chase that ended with Bradley’s car crashing in Newark.
Both men face significant prison sentences and fines for their actions. Bradley’s sentencing is scheduled for October 10, 2024, while Brown’s is set for October 3, 2024. Their charges include conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, attempted carjacking, brandishing a firearm, and firearm possession.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited several law enforcement agencies for their role in the investigation, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Clifton Police Department; Hillside Police Department; Jersey City Department of Public Safety; Newark Police Department; North Bergen Police Department; Secaucus Police Department; and Union Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Webman represents the government in this case.
RELATED: Waffle House Bandit Sentenced to 13 Years for Armed Robbery
Related Federal Cases
- Eaford, Moses Admit Prison Tax Scam in Essex County · New Jersey
- Shawn Brown Gets 11+ Years For Child Porn Distribution · New Jersey
- New York Teen Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery, Carjacking & Kidnapping · New Jersey
- Chad Brown Admits Role in $1.5M NJ Bank Fraud Scheme · New Jersey
- Arts & Crafts Fraud: Medicare Hit for $200K · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News