Hempstead Man Pleads Guilty To Robbery Conspiracy And Brandishing A Firearm During Crime Of Violence

Today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, New York, James Rogers pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit gunpoint robberies of commercial retail stores in Nassau and Suffolk Counties between August 10, 2015 and December 21, 2015 and the brandishing of a firearm during the robbery of a Petco Pet Store in Hicksville, New York on August 20, 2015.

The plea was announced by Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Thomas C. Krumpter, Acting Nassau County Police Commissioner (NCPD), and Timothy D. Sini, Suffolk County Police Commissioner (SCPD).

As part of the plea, Rogers admitted his role in 15 robberies that occurred in 11 different towns in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including the gunpoint robbery of Petco, various women’s clothing stores and a Babies R’ Us. On almost every occasion, Rogers committed the robberies at or near the opening or closing time of the businesses, his face covered, brandishing a black handgun, threatening employees and customers, and restraining them using toy handcuffs or plastic zip-tie restraints. Rogers took United States currency, jewelry and personal items from his victims, and fled the locations in a car or sports utility vehicle driven by his co-conspirator.

“Addressing violent crimes that terrorize our neighborhoods and jeopardize the safety of our citizens is a priority, and the defendant will now be held accountable for his actions,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rohde. Ms. Rohde extended her grateful appreciation to the Drug Enforcement Administration for its assistance on the case.

“This case is yet another example of great collaboration among law enforcement agencies in the region,” stated SCPD Commissioner Sini. “Let the message be clear: Suffolk and Nassau police departments, working with our federal law enforcement partners, will not tolerate perpetrators of violent crime in our communities.

“Defendant Rogers committed fifteen armed robberies in Nassau and Suffolk counties, preyed on unsuspecting business owners and their customers, thus becoming one of our top law enforcement priorities. Society is a safer place now that this defendant will be incarcerated,” stated Acting NCPD Commissioner Krumpter.

Today’s plea took place before United States District Judge Joseph F. Bianco. When he is sentenced on October 18, 2017, Rogers faces up to life in prison.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Charles N. Rose is in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

JAMES ROGERS

Age: 47

Hempstead, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-530 (JFB)