Jersey City Man Sentenced to 26 Years for Armed Robberies and Shootings

A Jersey City man has been sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for participating in a series of armed robberies and shootings that occurred in Jersey City on a single night in 2021, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

Rodney Williams, 33, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to multiple charges, including Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use a firearm in a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced April 23 by U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti, who also imposed five years of supervised release.

Prosecutors said the crime spree began with Williams robbing a store at gunpoint and escalated when he teamed up with co-defendant Siobhan Chandler. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated: “On the evening of November 14, 2021, Williams and Chandler committed multiple armed robberies and two shootings in Jersey City.”

During one robbery, Williams shot a gas station attendant when they did not immediately hand over money. “Williams pointed his gun at two attendants and demanded money. When the attendants did not immediately comply, Williams shot one of the attendants in the chest.”

Later that night, Williams shot a restaurant cashier under similar circumstances. According to court documents, “When the cashier did not immediately comply, Williams shot the cashier in the chest.”

Chandler was sentenced on April 25, 2024, to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release.