NEWARK, N.J. – Three men are facing federal charges after a brazen wave of armed robberies terrorized businesses across Passaic County in August 2022. The trio allegedly stormed multiple establishments, brandishing firearms and threatening victims with deadly force to steal thousands of dollars.
Kareem Powell, 30, of Willingboro, was charged by superseding indictment with two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He made his initial appearance in Newark federal court on November 21st and was immediately detained. His co-defendants, Carlos Diaz, 30, and Edward Porter, 30, both of Paterson, were previously indicted on similar charges, and the superseding indictment now adds an additional count of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm for each.
The robberies began on the evening of August 22, 2022, when Powell, Diaz, and Porter allegedly targeted a Passaic bodega, relieving it of several thousand dollars while menacing the victim with their guns and uttering threats of violence. They didn’t stop there. Later that same night, the group hit a Paterson business, again making off with several thousand dollars after forcing customers to lie on the floor at gunpoint.
The next evening, August 23rd, Diaz and Porter continued their spree, robbing a Passaic liquor store at gunpoint. This time, the violence escalated. Porter allegedly pistol-whipped a victim in the face. They then moved on to another Paterson business, where Porter physically assaulted victims, pushing one and wrestling another, dragging her to the floor in an attempt to steal her handbag.
Federal prosecutors aren’t messing around. Each count of brandishing a firearm carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, to be served consecutively with any other sentence. A conviction on the Hobbs Act robbery charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. That’s a long stretch for a quick grab.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Newark Field Division, led the investigation, with crucial support from the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, Passaic Police Department, and Paterson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Schuman is prosecuting the case. It’s important to remember, these are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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