NEWARK, NJ – An Essex County woman has been sentenced to 144 months in prison for her involvement in a one-night crime spree of robberies and shootings in Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Siobhan Chandler, 21, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti handed down the sentence on May 14, 2024, in Newark federal court. Her co-conspirator, Rodney Williams, faces charges but is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
On the evening of November 14, 2023, Chandler and Williams carried out multiple armed robberies. At a gas station, Williams pointed a gun at an attendant, demanding money. The pair threatened the employees with force and violence, obtaining money before fleeing. At a second location, Williams again pointed a firearm at a clerk, demanded money, and fled with Chandler after receiving the cash. At a restaurant, the duo threatened a cashier with a gun. Williams discharged the firearm, shooting the cashier in the chest, before fleeing with the money.
In addition to her prison term, Chandler was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the Jersey City Police Department, led by Public Safety Director James Shea, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under Prosecutor Esther Suarez, for their roles in the investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted in the case.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.