Two Hudson County men admitted to participating in a string of armed robberies at gas stations, as well as an attempted carjacking in 2022, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said Tuesday.
Wendell Bradley Jr., 27, of Bayonne pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count each of Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, as well as attempted carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Joseph Brown, 26, of Jersey City pleaded guilty on May 9 to one count each of Hobbs Act robbery and attempted Hobbs Act robbery.
Between Jan. 3, 2022 and Feb. 4, 2022 authorities said Bradley, sometimes with the help of Brown, attempted to rob at least seven gas stations in North Bergen, Hillside, Jersey City, Union and Secaucus.
The pair would pull up to gas pumps, ask to fill the tank and then while the tank was filling, pull a gun on the attendant and demand money, authorities said in court documents.
On one occasion on Jan. 20, 2022, Brown was accused of pointing a gun at a gas station attendant, demanding money and threatening the kill him. Authorities said he grabbed the attendant from behind, but he was able to break free and escape into the gas station before Brown and Bradley could take money from him.
The string of robberies ended on Feb. 4, 2022 when both Bradley and Brown robbed a gas station attendant in Secaucus at gunpoint and fled the scene as police chased them from Secaucus to Newark, were Bradley crashed the car, authorities said.
Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 10 and Bradley’s sentencing date is Oct. 3.
Bradley’s attorney, Pasquale F. Giannetta, said Wednesday his client faces a reduced sentence of 10-14 years in a plea agreement with prosecutors.
An attorney for Brown did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated to include information from Wendell Bradley’s attorney.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
