NEWARK, N.J. — Two men from Brooklyn, New York, have admitted to their involvement in a series of gunpoint robberies targeting check cashing locations in New Jersey, as well as conspiring to commit additional robberies across multiple states, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Thursday.
Ramel Harris, 42, and Neville Brown, 40, pleaded guilty on August 14, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court. They each faced three counts in an indictment charging them with Hobbs Act conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents and statements, Harris and Brown participated in three armed robberies between January 2021 and January 2022. They targeted check cashing businesses in different parts of New Jersey, where they restrained employees with zip ties and brandished firearms, stealing over $578,000. Prior to these successful heists, they also attempted to rob a check cashing location in Nanuet, New York.
Law enforcement officials linked Harris and Brown to the robberies through video surveillance footage and cell phone records that placed them near the crime scenes. Additionally, the investigation revealed that the duo had surveilled potential targets in Mount Kisco, New York, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and West Chester, Pennsylvania, as part of their broader robbery conspiracy.
The Hobbs Act conspiracy and robbery charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The charge for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of seven years, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Both charges also include a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of financial gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for December 17, 2024.