Man's Spree of Robberies & Carjacking Ends in Guilty Plea

Atlantic County Man Admits Committing Spree of Armed Robberies, Armed Carjacking, Firearms Offenses.Photo byMorristown Minute

Deion Nance faces significant prison time and fines after pleading guilty to multiple violent offenses.

NEWARK, N.J. – Deion Nance, 28, from Essex County, admitted to a series of armed robberies, a carjacking, and related firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Nance's guilty plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton on June 27, 2024.

Nance pleaded guilty to a five-count information, including two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of carjacking, and two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

According to court documents and statements, Nance confessed to the following crimes:

• December 30, 2020: Nance used a firearm to steal a 2016 Toyota Corolla. He threatened the vehicle’s occupant by pointing a handgun, forcibly removing them from the car, and pressing the firearm into their face before driving away.
• January 4, 2021: Nance robbed two restaurants. At the first location, he pointed a loaded firearm at an employee and demanded money, obtaining $176. Later the same day, he attempted another robbery at a different restaurant, again using a firearm to threaten an employee.

The penalties for Nance's crimes are severe. The carjacking count carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Each Hobbs Act robbery count is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The firearms offenses carry a maximum sentence of life in prison, with each offense requiring a statutory minimum sentence of five years, to be served consecutively to other prison terms. Additionally, all counts are subject to fines of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the successful investigation to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, including the Newark and Harrison police departments and special agents and task force officers from the FBI Newark Field Division, led by James E. Dennehy. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Linares of the Organized Crime and Gangs unit in Newark.

For further information, visit www.njcivilrights.gov.

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