Prosecutors say four suspects carried out two armed robberies at Edgewater spas, stealing phones and valuables from victims at gunpoint before investigators tracked them across New York and Maryland.
Edgewater, NJ – Four people have been charged in connection with a pair of armed robberies targeting spas in Edgewater, ending what prosecutors described as a months-long investigation spanning New Jersey, New York, and Maryland.
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests and indictments of John E. Cesse Rosario, 24, of the Bronx; Fraylan M. De La Rosa Perez, 26, of Brooklyn; Brayan Perez Abreu, 23, of the Bronx; and Esther Rosado, 24, of the Bronx.
Gunpoint robberies targeted spa customers
According to investigators, the first robbery occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on Sept. 25, 2025, at a spa on River Road in Edgewater.
Police said a masked gunman confronted a victim inside the business and stole an Apple iPhone and Apple Watch at gunpoint before fleeing.
Detectives with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Squad determined multiple suspects participated in the robbery and identified a white Toyota Camry used during the crime. Investigators later linked the vehicle to Rosario.
Just over a week later, at approximately 2:25 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2025, police responded to another armed robbery at a different spa along River Road.
Authorities said victims were again robbed at gunpoint, with suspects stealing cell phones and other personal property before escaping in a silver Volkswagen Jetta. Detectives later linked that vehicle to Rosario as well.
Investigation stretches across multiple states
The investigation led detectives to New York, where Rosario was arrested in the Bronx on Oct. 10, 2025, with assistance from the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the New York City Police Department.
Investigators later identified De La Rosa Perez and Perez Abreu as additional participants in the Sept. 25 robbery. De La Rosa Perez was arrested in Brooklyn in December, while Perez Abreu was taken into custody in New York City in January.
Rosario and De La Rosa Perez were later charged in connection with the second robbery after detectives continued investigating the case.
Authorities also identified Rosado as an alleged participant who prosecutors say helped plan the Oct. 5 robbery. Detectives were initially unable to locate her until she was arrested on an unrelated matter in Maryland earlier this year.
Following her arrest, Rosado was extradited to Bergen County, where she remains jailed pending further court proceedings.
Grand jury returns 13-count indictment
A Bergen County grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging the four defendants with multiple offenses arising from the two robberies.
Rosario, De La Rosa Perez, and Perez Abreu were indicted on charges including first-degree armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, and aggravated assault for the Sept. 25 incident.
Rosario, De La Rosa Perez, and Rosado were also indicted on first-degree armed robbery, conspiracy, and firearm charges related to the Oct. 5 robbery.
The charges are accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Four people were indicted in connection with two armed robberies targeting spas in Edgewater.
- Investigators linked two getaway vehicles to the suspects before making arrests in New York and Maryland.
- A Bergen County grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging the defendants with armed robbery, conspiracy, firearm offenses, and related crimes.
Related: Edgewater, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, armed robbery, Edgewater Police, FBI Safe Streets Task Force