Shaquan Brown, a 31-year-old Philadelphia resident, has been sentenced to more than 22 years in federal prison for his role in a series of violent armed home invasions targeting business owners and their families. The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Cynthia M. Rufe.
Brown was convicted at trial on April 16, 2024, after being charged by indictment in August 2020. The charges included conspiracy to commit armed home invasion robberies, robbery affecting interstate commerce, attempted robbery affecting interstate commerce, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of robbery, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents, between November 2019 and January 3, 2020, Brown and three co-conspirators planned and carried out robberies aimed at business owners they believed kept cash at home. The group used zip ties, duct tape, firearms, and surveillance methods such as GPS tracking devices to locate their victims’ residences. Their targets included Asian business owners and others who dealt primarily in cash.
On December 31, 2019, Brown and two accomplices confronted the owner of a nail salon in Delaware County as he returned to his business. They forced him inside the premises where they restrained him with zip ties and duct tape before physically assaulting him while demanding money. After taking cash from the business location, they forced the victim into his residence where they encountered his wife, children, and nanny. All were restrained with zip ties while the offenders continued their demands for money.
A few days later on January 3, 2020, Brown attempted another armed home invasion in Chester County but was interrupted when an alarm system triggered police response. He fled on foot but was apprehended after a chase through woods and into a creek; police recovered duct tape, zip ties, and a firearm from his backpack.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf stated: “What Shaquan Brown and his crew put their victims through was utterly horrifying,” adding that “No one should have to endure a violent ambush in their home or business, be brutally beaten, and see their family traumatized. Today’s sentence ensures that Brown’s home invasion days are over. We will not permit criminals who’d rather take money than make it to terrorize innocent people and whole communities.”
Eric DeGree of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division commented: “Shaquan Brown violently terrorized his victims in their business and in the sanctity of their home,” noting that “He is now going to federal prison where he will no longer endanger his neighborhood.” DeGree also highlighted ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies aimed at community safety.
The case forms part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime through partnerships among law enforcement agencies at all levels alongside community organizations.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Carissimi and J. Jeanette Kang along with Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Doherty.
