Philip Hedgespeth, Hobbs Act Robbery, New Jersey 2024

Newark Man Sentenced to 110 Months in Prison for Hobbs Act Robbery

A brazen daylight robbery shook the streets of Newark when Philip Hedgespeth, 45, stormed into the Cache Barbershop on May 1, 2018, brandishing a firearm and demanding cash from the employees and customers. Among those present was an off-duty Newark police officer, who attempted to intervene and stop the robbery.

Hedgespeth’s attempt to escape was thwarted by a motor vehicle chase with Newark police, which ended when his vehicle became disabled on McCarter Highway. The suspect then fled on foot but was apprehended after a brief chase.

Hedgespeth pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. His sentencing took place in Camden federal court, where U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler imposed a 110-month prison term.

In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Kugler also ordered Hedgespeth to serve five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Rachael Honig praised the law enforcement efforts that led to the sentencing, crediting the Newark Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Naazneen Khan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Organized Crimes and Gangs Unit in Newark.

Defendant: Philip Hedgespeth

Criminal Charges: Hobbs Act robbery, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon

City and State: Newark, New Jersey

Exact Date: May 1, 2018

Sentence or Outcome: 110 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

Dickerson Copland, Federal Criminal Case, Florida, 2022

Jan 15, 2022

Violent Crime

Moss, High-Stakes Robberies, Delaware 2024

Jul 1, 2022

Violent Crime

Jimenez Jimenez, Firearms Offense, New York 2024

Jan 15, 2024

Violent Crime

Franco-Fernandez Faces Federal Heat for String of Violent Robberies

Jul 1, 2006