Defendants Convicted of Armed Robbery at Aqueduct Racetrack
Brooklyn, NY – In a brazen heist, Lafayette Morrison, a former security guard at Aqueduct Racetrack, and his accomplice Lamel Miller were convicted of armed robbery on March 7, 2020, netting over $280,000 in cash. The duo, aged 39, were found guilty of Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, brandishing a firearm, and obstruction of justice.
According to the evidence presented in court, Miller and his co-conspirator ambushed several racetrack employees, including Morrison, who was employed as a security guard, as they transported cash earnings to a vault. The perpetrators, armed with a firearm, took the cash and employees’ cell phones, forcing them into a closet.
Miller and his accomplice then divided the loot, with each taking $100,000 and giving the remaining $84,000 to Morrison, who had acted as an ‘inside man’ providing information about the money transport. When questioned by federal law enforcement, Morrison repeatedly lied, claiming to be a victim and misidentifying a photograph of Miller.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Breon Peace, expressed his satisfaction with the verdict, stating, ‘Their armed robbery of Aqueduct Racetrack played out like a Hollywood movie heist, but with a bad ending for the defendants who now face steep prison sentences.’
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Galeotti and Rachel A. Bennek led the prosecution, with Paralegal Specialist Anna November assisting them. The defendants now face minimum sentences of 7 years’ imprisonment, with a maximum of life imprisonment.
The investigation and arrest were the result of a collaborative effort between the ATF, NYPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s office. NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell praised the joint law enforcement efforts, stating, ‘Thanks to our joint law enforcement efforts, those responsible will now bear the consequences of their despicable acts.’
Defendant Information
Lamel Miller
Age: 39
City and State: Queens, New York
Exact Date: March 7, 2020
Sentence or Outcome: Convicted, minimum 7 years imprisonment, maximum life imprisonment
Exact Criminal Charges: Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, brandishing a firearm, obstruction of justice
Lafayette Morrison
Age: 39
City and State: Jamaica, Queens
Exact Date: March 7, 2020
Sentence or Outcome: Convicted, minimum 7 years imprisonment, maximum life imprisonment
Exact Criminal Charges: Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, brandishing a firearm, obstruction of justice
Amount Stolen: $280,000
Hotel where they divided the loot: unspecified
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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