Morristown, NJ – The U.S. District Court in Newark has made a significant ruling, sentencing 33-year-old Vincent Chan-Guillen from Union County to over 33 years (407 months) in prison. This decision comes as a result of his involvement in a series of armed robberies across New York and New Jersey. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentence today, marking the end of a thorough investigation conducted by multiple agencies.
On March 8, 2023, Chan-Guillen was convicted of various charges, which included conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, using and carrying a firearm during a robbery, multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. The trial, which lasted a week, was overseen by U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler.
Robbery Spree Details
Chan-Guillen’s active participation in a series of armed robberies came to light during the court proceedings. From August to November 2018, he was involved in a total of nine robberies. His targeted locations included five stores in New York and four in New Jersey, specifically liquor stores situated in Elizabeth, Woodbridge Township, Bloomfield, and Linden. During these incidents, Chan-Guillen used a firearm to intimidate both store employees and customers.
Judge Chesler also mandated a five-year supervised release for Chan-Guillen once he completes his prison sentence.
The FBI, headed by Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, successfully convicted the perpetrator after conducting a thorough investigation. This investigation was a collaborative effort, with the involvement of several local police departments such as Elizabeth, Rahway, Woodbridge, Bloomfield, Linden, Kenilworth, Union, and Lyndhurst. The New Jersey State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division, and the New York Police Department also played crucial roles in the investigation.
The government’s case was presented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Desiree Grace, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, and John F. Mezzanotte of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark.
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