Hempstead Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Armed Robbery Conspiracy and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, James Rogers was sentenced to 184 months in prison by United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley for conspiring to commit gunpoint robberies of retail stores in Nassau and Suffolk Counties between August 10, 2015 and December 21, 2015, and brandishing a firearm during the robbery of a Petco Pet store in Hicksville, New York, on August 20, 2015.  Rogers pleaded guilty to the charges in April 2017.

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence.

At his guilty plea proceeding, Rogers admitted his role in 15 robberies of retail businesses during a four-month period in 11 different towns in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including the gunpoint robbery of the Petco store, women’s clothing stores and a Babies R’ Us.  On most occasions, Rogers committed the robberies at or near opening or closing times, his face covered with a mask, brandishing a handgun, threatening employees and customers and restraining them using toy handcuffs or plastic zip-tie restraints.  Rogers also stole cash, jewelry and other personal items from his victims before fleeing in a vehicle driven by his co-conspirator.

“The defendant terrorized his victims during a violent crime spree, fully justifying today’s lengthy prison sentence.  Our communities are safer as a result of his incarceration,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  Mr. Donoghue expressed his grateful appreciation to the Nassau County Police Department, the Suffolk County Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for their outstanding work on the case.

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:  49
Hempstead, New York

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