According to authorities, an armed robbery suspect was apprehended on Thursday. Devon Clemente of Glen Ridge allegedly entered the Comfort Inn hotel on Route 46 in Fairfield at about 6:00pm wearing a Covid surgical mask. The suspect allegedly showed the clerk a silver handgun in his waistband. The 33 year-old told the clerk that he needed their money “because of covid.” The clerk then handed him $300 cash and he took off in a car on Route 46 East. According to Fairfield Police Chief, Anthony Manna, a new license-plate reader led police to arrest the suspect. Police obtained a search warrant for his car and discovered the black jacket and glove that he was allegedly wearing during the robbery. Clemente was charged with robbery and weapons offenses. Click here to read more at www.nj.com.
The state of New Jersey takes robbery charges very seriously and penalties can be severe, especially for armed robbery. Robbery is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1, which provides:
a. A person is guilty of robbery if, in the course of committing a theft, he:
- Inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon another; or
- Threatens another with or purposely puts him in fear of immediate bodily injury; or
- Commits or threatens immediately to commit any crime of the first or second degree.
Robbery is a crime of the second degree, except that it is a crime of the first degree if in the course of committing the theft the actor:
- Attempts to kill anyone; or
- Purposely inflicts or attempts to inflict serious bodily injury; or
- Is armed with, or uses, or threatens the immediate use of a deadly weapon.
A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of between 10 and 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of between 5 and 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Robbery (in either degree) is an enumerated crime under the No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning that 85% of the sentence imposed must be served before becoming eligible for parole.
If you or a loved one is charged with robbery, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately because your freedom is at stake. Former Morris County Prosecutor, Alissa D. Hascup is skilled and experienced at defending countless individuals charged with robbery throughout the state of New Jersey. She is committed to ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible outcome. Contact her office for a free consultation about your case. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
