According to federal prosecutors, two men from Hudson County have confessed to committing a series of armed robberies at gas stations across northern New Jersey earlier this year, as well as an attempted carjacking. Wendell Bradley Jr., 27, of Bayonne, and Joseph Brown, 26, of Jersey City, have pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to charges related to the robbery spree that occurred between January 3 and February 4, 2022. Prosecutors revealed that during the robberies, Bradley and Brown drove up to gas stations, requested attendants to fill their vehicle’s gas tank, and then pulled out guns on the attendants while demanding money. In one incident, which occurred on January 20 in Union, Brown pointed a gun at a gas station employee, demanded cash, and threatened to kill him. Bradley grabbed the attendant from behind, but the employee was able to break free and escape before any money was taken. The robbery spree ended after Bradley and Brown robbed a gas station attendant at gunpoint in Secaucus on February 4. The two men fled the scene, leading police on a chase from Secaucus to Newark, where Bradley crashed his vehicle.
Bradley has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, attempted carjacking, and brandishing a firearm to aid the commission of a violent crime. Similarly, Brown has admitted to attempted Hobbs Act robbery and Hobbs Act robbery. The charges for conspiracy, robbery, and attempted robbery carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. The carjacking charge may lead to a maximum sentence of 15 years, whereas the firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum of 7 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Bradley’s sentencing is scheduled for October 10, 2024, and Brown’s sentencing is set for October 3, 2024. The U.S. Attorney, Philip R. Sellinger, acknowledged the contribution of several law enforcement agencies, including ATF, police departments in Clifton, Hillside, Jersey City, Newark, North Bergen, Secaucus, and Union, in the investigation.