BRICK, N.J. — A Brooklyn man has pleaded guilty to robbery charges stemming from a violent 2023 home invasion in Ocean County, authorities announced.
Vongvichit Vatthanavong, 50, admitted to his role in the January 5, 2023, robbery during a hearing before Judge Kenneth T. Palmer in Ocean County Superior Court on May 23. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated that prosecutors will seek a 12.5-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison under the No Early Release Act when Vatthanavong is sentenced on July 18.
The robbery occurred around 12:20 a.m. outside a home on Pershing Avenue in Brick Township. According to investigators, the victim had just exited his vehicle and was heading into his residence when he was confronted by three masked individuals, one of whom appeared to be armed with a handgun. The suspects struck the victim in the head, knocked him to the ground, and fled with roughly $3,000 in cash, a watch, and a cellphone.
“The three suspects then stole approximately $3,000 in United States currency, a watch, and a cellular phone from the victim before fleeing the scene,” according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Brick Township Police Department conducted an extensive investigation that led to Vatthanavong being identified as one of the assailants. He voluntarily appeared at the department’s headquarters for questioning on February , where he was taken into custody and charged.
Remaining suspects still unidentified
Vatthanavong has been held at the Ocean County Jail since his arrest. Authorities said the other two individuals involved in the robbery have not yet been identified and remain at large.
