Earlier today, a federal jury at the courthouse in Brooklyn found Michael Rutledge guilty on all charges related to an armed robbery at a convenience store. The indictment included Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from a February 10, 2023, incident where Rutledge and two accomplices committed a gunpoint robbery. The trial lasted five days and was presided over by United States District Judge Frederic Block. Rutledge faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years to life imprisonment.
The verdict was announced by Joseph Nocella Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
"Rutledge and his co-conspirators meticulously planned a violent robbery in a neighborhood convenience store in Clinton Hill," stated United States Attorney Nocella. "Thanks to exceptional investigative work by the ATF and the NYPD, the defendant was identified, apprehended, and rightly convicted today."
Miller emphasized law enforcement collaboration: "This conviction is a testament to the strength of New York City’s law enforcement partnerships." He highlighted that such acts are unacceptable and commended the efforts of various law enforcement agencies for holding Rutledge accountable.
NYPD Commissioner Tisch remarked on Rutledge's involvement: “Michael Rutledge didn’t just act as a getaway driver—he aided and abetted violent criminals." She reiterated commitment to ensuring safety in communities through collaboration with law enforcement partners.
During the trial, evidence showed that Rutledge drove Angel Gomez and another accomplice from the Bronx to Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill for their plan to rob a convenience store on Myrtle Avenue. Gomez brandished a gun while another conspirator threatened with a knife. They stole over $4,000 before fleeing with Rutledge as their driver.
Rutledge was arrested on June 21, 2023, after authorities executed a search warrant at his residence in the Bronx where he fled post-robbery.
Angel Gomez pleaded guilty on February 12, 2025, to Hobbs Act Robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; he awaits sentencing while their other accomplice remains at large.
The prosecution is managed by Assistant United States Attorneys James R. Simmons and Vincent M. Chiappini with support from Paralegal Specialist Matias Burdman and Criminal Investigations Unit Intelligence Research Specialist Ashley Hinkson.
