An indictment was unsealed at the federal court in Brooklyn on Apr. 23 charging six individuals—Leny Cruz, Brandon Corona, Eddie Nunez, Jose Ramos, Savion Jones, and Justin Kenny—with offenses including carjacking, attempted carjacking, Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and interstate transportation of stolen property. Nunez was arrested in Mount Vernon and arraigned before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon; he remains detained pending trial. The other defendants are currently held in state custody in New York City and Suffolk County.
The charges were announced by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New York Division.
“As alleged, these defendants used violence to threaten and intimidate, turning their victims’ everyday routines into terrifying ordeals,” said United States Attorney Nocella. “Armed carjackings and robberies strike at the core of community safety, and our Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect our community from violent predators.”
DiGirolamo said: “The pattern of violent carjackings and home invasion robberies alleged in this case is exactly the type of gun-related violence ATF and our partners are working to stop. Through coordinated enforcement and timely intelligence sharing, we are disrupting those responsible and preventing further harm. This case reflects the impact of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to protecting our communities. Special thanks to the diligent efforts of ATF/NYPD’s Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension (SPARTA) Group,0NYPD’s Queens Robbery Squad,0USAO Eastern District NY,0Suffolk County DA0and Suffolk County Police.”
According to court filings described by prosecutors, between July 12 and August 2 last year the defendants allegedly carried out a series of violent crimes that included stealing luxury vehicles such as BMWs from various locations across Queens—including Malba neighborhood driveways as well as smoke shop parking lots—and Flushing intersections where victims were threatened or physically assaulted with firearms.
Further incidents include an attempted home invasion robbery involving Cruz targeting an individual involved with drug trafficking in Orlando before fleeing back north using a stolen vehicle; days later Cruz allegedly joined Jones and Kenny for another armed home invasion robbery at a residence on Long Island where money was taken at gunpoint.
If convicted on all counts listed in the indictment—which remain allegations until proven—Cruz,0Corona,0and Nunez could face up to life imprisonment; Ramos faces up to 30 years; Jones0and Kenny could receive up to 20 years.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York operates as the designated federal prosecutor’s office for Brooklyn,0Queens,0Staten Island,0Nassau County,and Suffolk County,according to its official website. The office handles federal crime prosecutions as well as civil matters representation according to its official website.
Additionally,the office supports community outreach initiatives aimed at assisting victims throughout these jurisdictions.
