Rodney Williams, 32, Pleads Guilty to Jersey City Robberies & Shootings

A Hudson County man pleaded guilty to his role in four robberies and two shootings in Jersey City, New Jersey, which took place on the same night, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Rodney Williams, 32, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an Indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Williams’ co-defendant, Siobhan Chandler, was sentenced on April 25, 2024 to 12 years’ imprisonment followed by 5 years’ supervised release for her role.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, on the evening of November 14, 2021, Williams and Chandler committed multiple armed robberies and two shootings in Jersey City. The criminal activity began when Williams, acting alone, robbed a store while he pointed his gun at the clerk and demanded money.

The Hobbs Act robbery charges to which Williams pleaded guilty each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison; the conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison; the using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence charges carry statutory mandatory minimum terms of 7 (Count Four) and 10 years (Count Nine) in prison and maximum potential penalties of life in prison.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 23, 2025. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited officers of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Kearns, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanks the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shontae D. Gray and Eli Jacobs of the Criminal Division in Newark.

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