A Morristown NJ man has pleaded not guilty to charges of robbery and aggravated assault stemming from an incident in Newton, New Jersey.
According to authorities, the 23-year-old suspect and a 25-year-old man committed the violent robbery at the Merriam-Gateway Condos on Sparta Avenue in Newton, NJ. The theft allegedly occurred on December 27, 2014.
The 20-year-old victim was visiting friends at the apartment complex when the suspects allegedly approached him and started punching him in the face. The suspects then reportedly stole his wallet, cell phone, and car keys.
The victim reportedly sustained a broken jaw as a result of the attack. The victim was later flown by helicopter to Morristown Medical Center, where he underwent surgery and received medical treatment for his injuries.
Meanwhile, Newton investigators were able to connect the suspects to the robbery through video surveillance footage, as well as eyewitness statements. However, investigators had difficulty locating the suspects because they were both unemployed and possibly homeless. Police eventually found the suspects and placed them under arrest.
The suspects were subsequently charged with a number of criminal offenses, including second degree robbery, third degree aggravated assault, and second degree conspiracy.
The 25-year-old suspect already pleaded guilty in September to second degree robbery charges in connection with the theft. As a result of his plea deal, prosecutors are expected to recommend a sentence of 3 years in NJ State Prison when he appears in Sussex County Superior Court for official sentencing.
If the 23-year-old suspect is convicted on the most serious charge of robbery, he faces up to 10 years in NJ State Prison.
For further information about this case, read the NJ.com article entitled “Man Pleads Not Guilty to Robbing, Breaking Man’s Jaw, Report Says.”
