NEWARK, NJ — Deion Nance, a 28-year-old man from Essex County, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to multiple violent crimes, including two armed robberies and an armed carjacking. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the plea, which was entered before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton on June 27, 2024.
The charges against Nance include two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of carjacking, and two counts of using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. These incidents occurred at the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, starting with a carjacking on December 30, 2020, where Nance stole a 2016 Toyota Corolla at gunpoint, assaulting the vehicle’s occupant in the process.
Following the carjacking, Nance continued his crime spree on January 4, 2021, robbing two restaurants. In the first incident, he pointed a loaded gun at an employee and took $176. He then attempted another robbery at a different restaurant on the same day by threatening another employee with a firearm.
The carjacking charge could result in a maximum of 15 years in prison, while the Hobbs Act robbery is punishable by up to 20 years. The firearms offenses carry a statutory minimum of five years, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence, and could extend up to a life sentence. Each count also carries a potential $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offenses.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2024. The successful plea is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Newark and Harrison police departments, along with the FBI Newark Field Division under the direction of James E. Dennehy. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Linares of the Organized Crime and Gangs unit is representing the government in this case.
- Eight Men Out as Police Uncover Drug and Gun Ring Outside Yankee Stadium
BRONX, NY – Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban have announced the indictment of eight Bronx men on charges related to the sale of firearms, cocaine, and methamphetamine near Yankee Stadium. The defendants are accused of endangering the public by conducting illegal transactions in a highly trafficked area.
District Attorney Clark highlighted the risk posed by the defendants, stating, “The defendant who allegedly sold eight guns to an undercover NYPD officer put thousands of subway commuters, those who work and go to school nearby, and baseball fans in jeopardy. These alleged traffickers conducted business in broad daylight, down the block from the Stadium and beneath the elevated subway station.”
Commissioner Caban emphasized the ongoing threat of illegal guns and drugs, praising the efforts of the undercover officer and the collaboration with the Bronx District Attorney's office. “These charges underscore the destructive threat that illegal guns and drugs continue to pose on the streets of New York City, as well as our unwavering dedication to improving quality of life in every neighborhood,” he said.
The defendants, identified as Jeriel Fernandez, 30, Jael Fernandez, 21, Jonathan Fernandez, 31 (all related), Marvin Fortuna, 29, Ronny Fortuna, 32 (related), Jose Tejada Jr., 26, his father Jose Tejada Sr., 60, and Christian Espinal, 49, are charged in a 108-count indictment. The charges include first-degree Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, second-degree Conspiracy, and first-degree Criminal Sale of a Firearm.
The investigation, which led to the recovery of 11 firearms, including an AK-47, and $418,000, culminated in the arraignment of the Tejadas, the Fortunas, and Jonathan Fernandez on July 2, 2024, before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera.
This indictment reflects the concerted efforts of law enforcement to combat the illegal trafficking of guns and drugs, ensuring the safety and security of New York City's residents and visitors.
- Bronx Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Gun Possession and Sex Offenses
BRONX, NY – Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announced that Christopher Cano, a 30-year-old man formerly from Miami, Florida, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for gun possession, attempted rape, and attempted criminal sexual act against fellow inmates at Rikers Island. Cano's sentencing follows his guilty plea on three indictments.
District Attorney Clark emphasized the danger posed by Cano, stating, “The defendant was caught on the street with an illegal gun, posing a threat to the crowd gathered for a parade, and then committed horrendous acts against inmates while he was incarcerated. This prison term will keep a dangerous defendant away from the community.”
Cano was sentenced on July 1, 2024, by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Shari Michels. He received seven years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and concurrent sentences of 3 1/2 years in prison and five years post-release supervision for Attempted Rape in the first degree and Attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree. Cano pleaded guilty to these charges on December 4, 2023.
The investigation revealed that on July 24, 2016, Cano was spotted with a gun at the Bronx Dominican Day Parade on the Grand Concourse. Police arrested him after finding a loaded .38 caliber firearm. Cano claimed he had a bomb in his shoe and stated he was paid $5,000 to kill Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who was attending the parade.
Additionally, on October 19, 2020, while detained at the Rose M. Singer Center, Cano raped a victim in the shower area. On May 4, 2021, Cano forced another inmate at the George R. Vierno Center to engage in sex acts under the pretense of helping with his criminal case.
Cano's convictions and subsequent sentencing reflect the concerted efforts of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for violent and predatory behaviors both on the streets and within correctional facilities.
- Stamford Firefighters Quickly Douse Fire at Five Story Multi-Family Home
Stamford, CT — On July 1, at approximately 10:47 p.m., the Stamford Fire Department responded to a report of smoke and visible flames on a porch at Mill River House, located at 35 West Broad Street, a five-story multi-family dwelling with a unique “C” shaped layout.
Upon arrival, the first unit observed no visible smoke or flames from the street. Further investigation revealed that a heater on the porch of apartment 312 had ignited, causing damage to the exterior wall and burning into an adjacent closet. The fire, located on a porch facing an interior courtyard, initially obscured the smoke from view.
Electrical power to the affected apartment was promptly shut off at the panel. The fire was extinguished without the use of water, preventing additional property damage. The Stamford Police Department assisted with traffic control in the heavily trafficked area.
The incident was brought under control at 11:29 p.m. No injuries were reported. The Stamford Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.