Carlos Diaz, Armed Robbery, New Jersey 2022

PATERSON, NJ – Two men are behind bars, facing serious federal charges after a reign of terror that saw three businesses in Passaic County robbed at gunpoint in a single week this August. Carlos Diaz, 30, and Edward Porter, 30, both of Paterson, appeared in Newark federal court yesterday, December 5, 2022, and were immediately detained.

The brazen robberies began on the evening of August 22nd, when Diaz, Porter, and an unnamed accomplice stormed a Passaic bodega, making off with several thousand dollars. Witnesses reported the trio brandished handguns, forcing customers to the floor. The next night, the pair targeted a Passaic liquor store, again stealing several thousand dollars. This time, the violence escalated: Porter allegedly pistol-whipped a victim inside the store.

The duo didn’t stop there. Later that same evening, Diaz and Porter robbed a business in Paterson. According to court documents, Porter physically assaulted victims during the robbery, pushing one and engaging in a violent struggle with another, dragging them to the floor in an attempt to steal a handbag. The level of brutality exhibited in these crimes has understandably shaken the local community.

Both Diaz and Porter are now charged with one count of conspiracy to obstruct commerce by robbery and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The firearms charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, to be served consecutive to any other sentence handed down. Conspiracy to obstruct commerce by robbery carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The arrests were the result of a joint investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Newark Field Division, in conjunction with the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, the Paterson Police Department, and the Passaic Police Department. Acting Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller of the ATF lauded the collaborative effort that brought these men to justice.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Schuman of the General Crimes Unit in Newark is prosecuting the case. It’s important to remember that these are allegations at this stage, and both Diaz and Porter are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the evidence presented thus far paints a disturbing picture of calculated violence and disregard for the safety of the community. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.

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