A Clifton man who kidnapped and robbed multiple people, is now being charged with three counts of kidnapping, three counts of robbery, and two counts of possessing a weapon. Eddie J. Johnson a 27 year old man from Clifton, forced men and women at knifepoint into his vehicle to have them withdraw money from their accounts and buy him an energy drink as well. Paramus Police have said that Mr. Johnson first started this behavior in February when he approached a woman in the Blink Fitness parking lot at the Bergen Town Center. The driver of the vehicle was forced to drive him to an ATM. He then forced her to take him to a grocery store in Elmwood Park where he made her buy $70 worth of red bulls. He then ran from her car. On August 13th he was at Garden State Plaza parking garage when he approached a man and demanded money from him. The man refused and was then forced by Johnson to drive him to Paterson, where his phone and money from his wallet were taken. On September 10th he walked up to another man at the Garden State Plaza parking lot, and asked for a ride to the opposite end of the mall. Once inside the vehicle he pulled a knife on the driver and had him drive to a couple ATMs to take out $60. As well as asking for more Red Bull. The driver s credit card would not work, so Johnson had him drive all the way back to Paterson where he then fled. He was detained on September 15th on the charges and is currently being held in the Bergen County Jail on $500,000.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1 which is kidnapping. It involves the act of holding a person for ransom, or as a hostage. If they are taken from any type of business or home. It is an extremely serious crime, and is a crime of the 1st degree. It also has an extended prison sentence due to the serious nature of kidnapping. If found guilty a person is looking at 15 to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison. It also is under NERA the “no early release act” for which a person must serve a minimum of 85% of their sentence.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 which is robbery. It involves using force and or a weapon to obtain money or other items from someone against their will. When a weapon is used during the robbery it is a crime of the 1st degree, and if found guilty a person is looking at 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3e. which is possession of prohibited weapons. It involves the illegal use of many types of weapons. A person who has in their possession a knife or switchblade with no explainable purpose is guilty of a crime of the 4th degree. A crime of the 4th degree in New Jersey if found guilty a person is looking at up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.
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