Newark Man Indicted On Charges For 2023 Livingston Gunpoint Robbery

Friday, November 8, 2024, 6:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

NEWARK, NJ.- U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger reported on Monday, November 4, 2024, Nariq Petes, 26, of Newark, New Jersey, appeared in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and was arraigned on charges unsealed in an indictment for his role in the December 2023, gunpoint robbery of a Livingston, New Jersey pharmacy.

     On October 11, 2024, a Federal Grand Jury for the District of New Jersey returned a three-count indictment charging Petes with Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Hobbs Act Robbery; and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Petes was arraigned on Monday before U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martini and pleaded not guilty to the charges unsealed in the indictment.

     According to the charging information unsealed in the indictment, it is alleged that on December 30, 2023, Petes and a conspirator drove together from Newark, New Jersey, to Livingston, New Jersey. The two then entered a pharmacy wearing black masks. Once inside the pharmacy, Petes pulled out a handgun and demanded prescription drugs. It is further alleged that Petes and his conspirator took a total of six bottles of prescription drugs.

Petes Faces Up To Life In Prison If Convicted

     If convicted at trial, Petes faces up to life in federal prison. The actual term of imprisonment will be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge based on the seriousness of the offenses and Petes’ prior criminal history, if any.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”