New Brunswick Robbery Sentences Man to 15 Years
A recent report claims that a man described as a career criminal has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for robbing a man on a bicycle in New Brunswick. Jermaine Smith-Echevarria, 32, of New Brunswick robbed a 38-year-old man pushing a bicycle around midnight on May 26, 2007, on Townsend Street and Lee Avenue. According to assistant Middlesex County prosecutor Kevin Flood, Smith-Echevarria, must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he can be considered for parole.
Law enforcement officials say that Smith-Echevarria and an unknown accomplice saw the man pushing a bicycle with a flat tire that night and hid from sight until the man was close enough to rob. Flood said they jumped him and took $440 cash in his pocket, but the victim chased Smith-Echevarria and told a witness to call the police. Smith-Echevarria ran down an alley and through several backyards. He temporarily eluded the police until he doubled back through the same alley where the victim was waiting for Smith-Echevarria. The victim tackled him and held him for the police. Thankfully, the robbery victim did not suffer physical injury from any attempted New Jersey assault.
The robbery charges carry a 10-year maximum prison term, but because of Smith-Echevarria's extensive criminal record, which included 24 previous arrests and convictions in New Jersey and Virginia, he was eligible for an extended term of up to 20 years under New Jersey law.
Whether you have a criminal history or not, everyone is entitled to competent legal representation, and if you or someone you care for is facing serious criminal charges, call the skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein. We have years of experience representing clients charged with a wide range of crimes and will work hard to defend our clients’ rights at all times. For a free consultation with knowledgeable top criminal defense lawyers in New Jersey, call Lependorf & Silverstein today at 609.240.0040.
