Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that Khalif Paden, 23, of East Orange was found guilty by an Essex County jury of carjacking, robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault, receiving stolen property, credit card theft and hindering apprehension.
The jury deliberated for about an hour and 15 minutes before returning a guilty verdict in the case tried before the Honorable Martin Cronin, J.S.C.
According to Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Adam B. Wells, who tried the case, on the night of October 17, 2010, a Domino’s Pizza delivery driver was making a delivery on North 17th Street in East Orange when he was robbed, carjacked and beaten by Paden and three others.
The defendant and his co-conspirators lured the victim from his vehicle, surrounded him, and robbed him of all his belongings—including his car keys, several pizzas and other food. The victim was severely beaten by his attackers and suffered broken bones in his face and temporary blindness in one eye. The defendant and his co-conspirators also drove away in the victim’s car.
The next morning, Paden attempted to use the victim’s stolen credit card at a local store. A cashier, who knew the victim, recognized the name and photo on the card and alerted police.
“This was a particularly senseless and brutal crime and I am pleased that the jury considered the evidence and reached a just verdict,” said Assistant Prosecutor Wells.
Paden is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Cronin on August 3, 2012. When he is sentenced Paden faces 30 years on the carjacking offense alone. Paden has two prior burglary convictions. He is currently serving time in a New Jersey State Prison for the burglaries.
