Following a two week trial, on Sept. 25, Williams was convicted by an Essex County jury of one count of carjacking.

The crime occurred on June 24, 2011. The victim was putting air in the tire of his Infiniti at an Exxon gas station in West Orange when Williams suddenly entered the vehicle. According to Assistant Prosecutor Jamel Semper, who tried the case, the victim was dragged 45 yards into oncoming traffic with his leg trapped beneath the car. The victim was able to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic by letting go of the car and rolling onto the side of the road.

Williams was able to flee the scene of the crime but five days later the car was recovered in Newark, approximately two miles from Williams’ home. Williams’ DNA was discovered on a cigarette and soda bottle found in the car.

Today, Judge Ravin sentenced Williams, who has five prior felony convictions and 21 previous arrests, to 25 years in state prison. Under the No Early Release Act, Williams must serve 21 ½ years before he becomes eligible for parole.

“Given this defendant’s extensive criminal history, we sought the maximum of 30 years in prison but we are satisfied that a violent offender will be off the streets for the next two decades,’’ said Semper.

Following a two week trial, the jury returned a verdict this morning finding Williams guilty of one count of carjacking a 21-year-old West Orange man.

Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Jamel Semper, who tried the case, said on June 24, 2011 the victim was putting air into the tire of his Infiniti at an Exxon gas station in West Orange when Williams suddenly entered the vehicle. The victim began to struggle with Williams, who then accelerated the vehicle out of the gas station. As Williams accelerated at a high rate of speed, the victim attempted to pull Williams out of the Infiniti; but was dragged 45 yards into oncoming traffic. The victim’s leg became trapped underneath the vehicle as he was clinging onto the driver’s side of the Infiniti. The victim was able to avoid being struck by oncoming traffic by letting go of the Infiniti and rolling to the side of the road.

The Infiniti was recovered five days later in Newark, approximately two miles from Williams’ home. When the vehicle was processed by West Orange police, Williams’ DNA was discovered on a cigarette and a soda bottle found in the car.

“We had a smart jury and a brave victim who was willing to come to court and face the man who did this to him. The combination of the two provided for a just verdict,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Semper.

Williams has four prior felony convictions in New Jersey and one in North Carolina. He is awaiting trial for a second carjacking in Newark. In that case he is accused of shooting a 50-year-old Newark man and taking his car in October 2011.

During the trial, bail was set at $250,000. Following the verdict, Judge Ravin revoked Williams’ bail. Williams is currently been held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 8th. The state will ask for the maximum penalty of 30 years, Assistant Prosecutor Semper said.

Clarance Williams