Mercer Co. Man Pleads Guilty In Armed Robbery Across NJ, PA

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A Mercer County man pleaded guilty to several charges after admitting he participated in an armed robbery spree across New Jersey and Pennsylvania in 2019, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

On Tuesday Omar Feliciano-Estremera, 44, of Trenton, pleaded guilty to five-counts information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three substantive counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm which was discharged during a crime of violence.

He will be sentenced on July 18.

According to court documents and statements, Feliciano and his conspirator late Gabriel Lopez, formerly of Trenton, committed a string of armed robberies in May and June of 2019 of businesses located in Mercer County, Union County, and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Lopez entered the businesses, brandished a handgun, and demanded money from the store clerks working the register. After stealing the money, Lopez fled the scene with the assistance of Feliciano, who acted as the getaway driver.

While fleeing the scene of one of the robberies, in Union County, Lopez fired a handgun at passing witnesses, before being picked up by Feliciano, according to court documents. Feliciano admitted to conspiring with Lopez to commit eight robberies and aiding and abetting three robberies, including the Union County robbery.

Each of the Hobbs Act charges carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge of aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm that was discharged during a crime carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Each count also carries a maximum fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

Sellinger thanked the FBI, police officers of the Hamilton, Trenton, Rahway, Morrisville, Bristol Township, and Lawrence Township for their assistance.

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