Nassau Man Pleads Guilty To String Of Armed Robberies Across Long Island

A Hempstead man pleaded guilty on Thursday to 15 different armed robberies in Nassau and Suffolk between August and December, 2015.

James Rogers, 47, pleaded guilty to 15 different robberies of business across 11 different towns in Nassau and Suffolk counties between Aug. 10 and Dec. 21, 2015, as well as brandishing a gun during the robbery of a Petco in Hicksville on Aug. 20, 2015.

"This case is yet another example of great collaboration among law enforcement agencies in the region," said Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Timothy Sini. "Let the message be clear: Suffolk and
Nassau police departments, working with our federal law enforcement partners, will not tolerate
perpetrators of violent crime in our communities."

Prosecutors say that Rogers robbed a Petco, a Babies R' Us and various women's clothing stores. He almost always committed the robbery as the store was either opening or closing. He would walk in with his face covered, a handgun visible in his hand. He would threaten employees and customers and restrain them using toy handcuffs or plastic zip-ties. He often stole cash, jewelry and personal items, then fled in a car driving by an accomplice.

“Addressing violent crimes that terrorize our neighborhoods and jeopardize the safety of our citizens is a priority, and the defendant will now be held accountable for his actions,” Acting United States Attorney Bridget Rohde said.

Rogers is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 18. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Photo: Patch.com