ROCHESTER, NY – Robert Forbes, Jr., a 37-year-old Rochester resident known on the streets as “Ra Ra” and “Henny,” is headed to federal prison for nearly two decades after being sentenced to 228 months – 19 years – for his role in a string of brazen home invasions. U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. handed down the sentence Wednesday, following Forbes’ conviction on two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and two counts of Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery.
Between February 18th and March 26th, 2020, Forbes wasn’t just a participant in these crimes; he was a key architect. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, Forbes didn’t simply show up – he planned the operations, recruited the crew, and crucially, provided inside information on targets he believed were involved in the drug trade. He scouted locations, confirmed the presence of both controlled substances and cash, and even supplied the weapon used during the robberies.
These weren’t simple burglaries. The four home invasions, spanning Rochester and Greece, NY, were violent and terrifying for the victims. Reports indicate that residents were restrained, subjected to brutal pistol-whippings, and suffered physical injuries during the attacks. Forbes, investigators say, drove the team to and from the targeted homes, acting as a crucial logistical component of the operation.
The bust came April 1, 2020, after a tense 13-minute car chase on W. Ridge Road in Rochester. Forbes attempted to evade authorities, but ultimately failed, leading to his arrest and the unraveling of the home invasion ring. The lengthy investigation, a joint effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Rochester Police Department, finally culminated in Wednesday’s sentencing.
Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia of the FBI, Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito of the ATF’s New York Field Division, and Rochester Police Chief David Smith all played roles in the investigation. The ATF’s involvement highlights the agency’s focus on violent crime linked to illegal drug activity. The investigation underscores the dangers posed by individuals who prey on others, even those involved in illicit activities, and the commitment of federal agencies to bringing them to justice.
The 19-year sentence sends a clear message: Rochester isn’t a playground for violent criminals. While Forbes targeted those allegedly involved in the drug trade, the brutality of his actions warranted a significant federal penalty. The case serves as a stark reminder that even criminals preying on other criminals will face the full weight of the law.
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