BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. — Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of Francisco B. Verdugo, 22, of Upper Saddle River, in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in Allendale in March. Verdugo was identified as an accomplice in the ongoing investigation into the robbery, which was first reported on May 21, 2024.
The initial incident took place on March 25, 2024, when the Allendale Police Department responded to an apartment complex at approximately 3:48 p.m. Officers learned that a suspect, identified as Jahan A. Hendley, confronted a victim outside his home, brandished a handgun, and forced the victim back into his apartment. Hendley assaulted the victim and stole marijuana, $900 in cash, and a bottle of liquor. While fleeing, Hendley also pointed his gun at a bystander who was unrelated to the robbery.
Hendley, who was already in custody at the Bergen County Jail on unrelated charges, was formally charged in May with various offenses related to the robbery.
After further investigation, detectives identified Verdugo as an accomplice, determining that he had driven Hendley to and from the scene of the robbery. Authorities also learned that Verdugo attempted to sell proceeds from the robbery.
Verdugo was arrested on September 11, 2024, in Paramus and charged with several offenses, including first-degree armed robbery (accomplice liability), conspiracy to commit robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Prosecutor Musella emphasized that all charges are accusations and that both Verdugo and Hendley are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The prosecutor also thanked the Allendale Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.