Sept. 27, 2016
Three Men Admit Early Morning Armed Robbery of 8 People
Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that three men pled guilty before the Honorable Richard T. Sules, Judge of the Superior Court, to a string of armed robberies on Jan. 16, 2014.
The victims ranged in age from a 14-year-old school girl to an 88-year-old woman. Seven of the eight robbery victims were female. The van used in the eight robberies was stolen from an 88-year-old woman – the ninth victim.
The defendants are Andre Glaspie, 27, Khalif Ford, 23, both of Newark, and Dazhan Goff, 22, of Irvington. Each defendant pled guilty to one count of second degree conspiracy and three counts of first degree armed robbery. Glaspie and Ford pled guilty to third degree receiving stolen property and Goff pled guilty to second degree eluding police.
Under the terms of a plea agreement, the state will recommend a 20-year sentence for each defendant.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 7.
In the early morning hours of Jan. 16, 2014, riding in a van stolen from an 88-year-old woman, the trio traveled around the city of Newark. Glaspie and Ford admitted jumping out of the van and demanding the victims’ cell phones, cash, pocketbooks and other personal items.
A total of eight people were robbed at gunpoint, most were walking to school or to or from work at the time of the attack.
As reports of the armed robberies were called into 911, Newark Police identified the gold van used in all eight of the robberies. They pursued the vehicle and a chase ended in the vicinity of Bergen Street and Goldsmith Avenue. Ford and Glaspie were arrested at the scene. The robbery proceeds were discovered in the van the same day.
Goff, the driver of the van, fled but was later identified when his fingerprint was discovered on the driver side door of the van. He was arrested on Feb. 7, 2014.
Assistant Prosecutor Jason Alterbaum, who handled the case with Assistant Prosecutor Casey Breslow, said, “The 20-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes. These defendants brazenly ambushed innocent people as they went about their business. Hopefully, the outcome of this case will deter others who might consider engaging in this kind of criminal behavior.’’
Assistant Prosecutor Breslow said, “I want to thank the victims for their willingness to come forward and cooperate. Their courage is essential to the successful resolution of these kinds of cases.’’
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