A federal judge imposed a lengthy prison term after a gunpoint robbery targeting prescription drugs underscored ongoing concerns about pharmacy-related crimes.
Newark, New Jersey – U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced that Nariq Petes, a 27-year-old Newark resident, has been sentenced to 149 months in federal prison for carrying out an armed robbery of pharmacy employees in Livingston, New Jersey, highlighting federal enforcement efforts against violent drug-related crimes.
The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court following Petes’ October jury conviction on charges including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey with investigative support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Armed robbery targeted prescription drugs
Evidence presented at trial showed that on December 30, 2023, Petes and co-conspirator Xavier Reyes entered a pharmacy in Livingston wearing black masks and carrying handguns. Once inside, the two men brandished their weapons and demanded prescription medications from employees.
Authorities said the suspects stole at least six bottles of prescription drugs before fleeing the scene. The targeted theft of pharmaceuticals reflects a broader pattern of robberies driven by the illicit resale value of controlled medications, a persistent concern for law enforcement and public health officials.
Petes was arrested just days later, on January 2, 2024, at his apartment in Newark. Investigators recovered stolen medication from the residence, directly linking him to the robbery.
Co-defendant also sentenced
Reyes, who participated in the robbery alongside Petes, previously pleaded guilty in May 2025 to conspiracy and Hobbs Act robbery charges. He was later sentenced to 111 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Petes, by contrast, proceeded to trial and was convicted on all counts, including the firearm offense that carried significant additional penalties under federal law.
Under the sentence imposed Thursday, Petes will serve 149 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, reflecting the severity of using a firearm during a violent crime.
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Key Points
• Nariq Petes sentenced to 149 months for armed pharmacy robbery in Livingston
• Convicted of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during the crime
• Co-defendant Xavier Reyes previously sentenced to 111 months in related case
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Multi-agency investigation
The investigation involved a coordinated effort among federal and local agencies, including the FBI under Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy and the ATF under Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. Local support was provided by the Livingston Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael K. O’Leary of the Narcotics/International Trafficking Unit in Newark, reflecting the federal government’s focus on crimes that intersect violence and illegal drug distribution networks.
Pharmacy robberies involving firearms remain a priority for federal authorities, particularly as such incidents pose risks to employees and contribute to the illegal circulation of controlled substances.
Petes will remain in federal custody as he begins serving his sentence, closing a case that moved from arrest to conviction and sentencing over the course of more than two years.
Nariq Petes, Newark robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, pharmacy robbery New Jersey, federal sentencing
