Authorities say two teenagers and a 39-year-old woman were linked to an armed robbery that targeted a victim attempting to sell a gaming computer arranged through social media.
Three people, including two juveniles and a Lodi woman, have been charged in connection with an armed robbery that occurred during an online marketplace transaction in Bergen County, according to Prosecutor Mark Musella.
The investigation began after Lodi police responded to a reported armed robbery near the intersection of Church Street and Boyd Street at approximately 11:41 p.m. on March 17.
Victim lured to meeting for computer sale
Investigators said the victim had arranged through social media to sell a gaming computer and met the prospective buyers in the area.
While sitting inside a vehicle, the victim was approached by two suspects who began speaking with them.
“A short time later, one suspect opened the rear driver-side door of the vehicle and removed the computer,” prosecutors said.
When the victim exited the vehicle to intervene, authorities said the second suspect displayed a firearm and pointed it at the victim.
“The victim then exited the vehicle, at which point the other suspect brandished a firearm, pointing it at the victim,” the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office said.
The suspects fled on foot with the gaming computer.
Detectives identify juvenile suspects
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Squad joined the Lodi Police Department in investigating the robbery.
Detectives eventually identified two 17-year-old males as the suspects allegedly involved in the armed robbery.
One juvenile was taken into custody on April 21 and charged with first-degree armed robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and burglary. He was later released to a parent after being processed through juvenile court.
Gun, ammunition magazines recovered
The second juvenile was arrested on June 11 after investigators located him and executed a court-authorized search warrant at his residence.
During the search, detectives recovered a handgun and two large-capacity ammunition magazines, authorities said.
In addition to armed robbery and weapons charges, the juvenile was charged with aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor, and two counts of possessing large-capacity ammunition magazines.
He remains held at the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center pending further court proceedings.
Lodi woman also charged
Prosecutors announced that 39-year-old Maria Montoya of Lodi was also arrested as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding her alleged role in the robbery.
As with all criminal defendants, the charges are accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
• Two juveniles and a 39-year-old Lodi woman were charged in connection with an armed robbery involving a gaming computer sale.
• Prosecutors say the victim was robbed at gunpoint after arranging the transaction through social media.
• A handgun and two large-capacity ammunition magazines were recovered during the investigation.
