A federal indictment was unsealed on May 7 charging Alan Christhofer Cedeno-Ferrer, Michael Mejia-Nunez, and Ennait Alexis Sirett-Padilla with Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, and interstate transportation of stolen property. The charges relate to the armed hijacking of a delivery truck loaded with Apple products outside the Americana Manhasset mall on Long Island.
The case is significant due to the violent nature of the alleged crime and its impact on public safety at a busy shopping center. Authorities said that more than $1.2 million worth of Apple devices were stolen during the incident.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. said, “As alleged, these defendants committed a violent and brazen daytime robbery that terrorized the victims and endangered the public at one of the most popular shopping centers on Long Island. Our Office will continue its relentless pursuit of violent criminals who prey on innocent victims and put our communities in harms way for their own financial gain.”
According to court filings, three men approached two delivery workers at approximately 8:00 a.m. as they prepared to deliver Apple products to the store. Armed with handguns, they forced one worker into the back of the truck and zip tied his hands while ordering the other victim to drive them away from the scene. The suspects then transferred all merchandise into a Home Depot box truck rented under false identification before abandoning both vehicles after moving goods through New Jersey storage facilities.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle said, “The defendants allegedly held two innocent employees at gunpoint before hijacking and robbing their delivery truck out of selfish greed. The FBI remains in lockstep with our local law enforcement partners to stop violent criminals from wreaking havoc on our communities.” Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder added: “These individuals came into Nassau County and committed a robbery with weapons that put people in fear... Thanks to our great partners in the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, these defendants have been indicted and will now have to answer for their crimes.”
Nocella also expressed appreciation for assistance provided by several law enforcement agencies involved in tracking down suspects across state lines.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment.
