NEWARK, N.J. – Onijee Burgess, 26, of Paterson, New Jersey, is staring down a potential life sentence after being indicted by a federal grand jury for a string of brazen gunpoint robberies targeting pharmacies across Passaic County. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the charges today, detailing a reign of terror that stretched from November 2022 to April 5, 2023.
Burgess, already in custody, is accused of conspiring with Antonio Rivera and others to hit seven pharmacies in Paterson and Passaic. The indictment lists a staggering nine counts against him: one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and two counts of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Federal investigators pieced together the scheme using an extensive collection of surveillance footage and cell phone data, directly linking Burgess and Rivera to each robbery. Rivera is also currently detained and facing charges in connection with the case. The robberies weren’t just about stealing drugs or cash; they were calculated acts of violence, leaving pharmacy employees and customers traumatized.
The potential penalties are severe. The Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and conspiracy charges each carry a maximum of 20 years in prison. The firearms conspiracy adds another 20 years. But it’s the gun-related counts that could lock Burgess away for life. Using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a life sentence and a mandatory minimum of seven years to be served consecutively. Discharging a firearm during the robberies escalates that to a life sentence with a mandatory minimum of ten years, also consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offenses.
The investigation was a multi-agency effort, spearheaded by the FBI’s New Jersey field office, led by Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy. Significant assistance was provided by the Paterson, Passaic, Clifton, and Cedar Grove Police Departments, as well as the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. U.S. Attorney Sellinger specifically acknowledged the leadership of Officer in Charge Isa M. Abbassi (Paterson PD), Police Chief Luis Guzman (Passaic PD), Acting Sheriff Gary F. Giardina (Passaic County), Police Chief Thomas Rinaldi (Clifton PD), Chief Jason Love (Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office), and Police Chief John J. Kennedy (Cedar Grove PD).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Douek of the General Crimes Unit in Newark is prosecuting the case. It’s crucial to remember that these are just allegations at this stage. Burgess, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the evidence presented so far paints a grim picture of a dangerous individual who allegedly put lives at risk for profit.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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