NEWARK, N.J. - A federal jury convicted an Essex County, New Jersey, man for his role in the knifepoint robbery of a Harrison, New Jersey, taxi company, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Alfuquan Turner, 46, of Newark was convicted on June 7, 2022, of Hobbs Act robbery following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
On Sept. 23, 2019, Turner walked into the Harrison Cab Company armed with a knife and covering his face with a plastic bag. He demanded money from the cab company’s dispatcher. After the victim informed Turner that there was no money in her office, Turner continued his threats and demands. Ultimately, after Turner attempted to stab the victim and the victim fought back, Turner took the victim’s cell phone and attempted to leave. When the victim tried to get her phone back, Turner hit her in the face, pushed her to the ground, and asked her if she wanted to die. Turner then choked the victim until she lost consciousness, after which he stole her jewelry, cell phone, and other items.
The count of Hobbs Act robbery is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 25, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Jesse Levine in Newark; investigators of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey under the direction of Superintendent Edward Cetnar; officers of the Harrison Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Strumolo; and investigators of the N.J. Transit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Christopher Trucillo, with the investigation leading to the guilty verdict.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sophie E. Reiter.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
