6 Charged After String Of Violent Carjackings, Shooting, LI Robbery: Feds

BROOKLYN, NY — Six men — including three from Long Island — have been charged in a sweeping federal indictment tied to a violent, multi-week spree of carjackings and a home invasion robbery that stretched across Queens, Brooklyn, and Suffolk County, federal prosecutors said.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, an 11-count indictment unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charges Leny Cruz, 23, of Brooklyn; Brandon Corona, 23, of Brooklyn; Eddie Nunez, 28, of Brooklyn; Jose Ramos, 21, of Bay Shore; Savion Jones, 22, of Huntington Station; and Justin Kenny, 24, of West Babylon. with a range of serious offenses, including carjacking, attempted carjacking, Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and interstate transportation of stolen property.

Prosecutors said the group is accused of carrying out a coordinated and violent crime spree between July 12 and Aug. 2, 2025, targeting victims for luxury vehicles, cash, and other valuables.

One defendant, Eddie Nunez, 28, of Brooklyn, was arrested in Mount Vernon on Tuesday and arraigned on Wednesday before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon, who ordered him held without bail pending trial. The remaining defendants are currently in state custody in New York City and Suffolk County and are expected to be arraigned in federal court at a later date.

“As alleged, these defendants used violence to threaten and intimidate, turning their victims’ everyday routines into terrifying ordeals,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said. “Armed carjackings and robberies strike at the core of community safety, and our office will continue to work tirelessly to protect our community from violent predators.”

Authorities said the pattern of crimes involved escalating violence and bold, public attacks.

Prosecutors said the spree began July 12, when Cruz and Ramos carjacked a BMW M240i from a driveway in Malba, Queens.

Less than a week later, on July 17, Cruz and Corona stole a BMW M3 from a smoke shop parking lot in Queens. Hours later, in the early morning of July 18, Corona and Nunez allegedly carried out an armed carjacking of a BMW 540 stopped at a red light on Prince Street in Flushing, pistol-whipping the driver during the attack.

On July 19, prosecutors say Corona shot a victim twice in the leg on Blake Avenue in Brooklyn, further escalating the violence tied to the group’s activities.

Authorities said the incidents continued days later, when on July 24, Corona and Nunez carjacked a BMW X5 from a victim in Bayside, Queens.

The criminal conduct then expanded beyond New York, prosecutors said.

On July 30, Cruz is accused of attempting a home invasion robbery in Orlando, Florida, targeting an individual involved in drug trafficking. Prosecutors said Cruz fled back to Brooklyn in a stolen vehicle used during the attempted robbery.

Days later, on Aug. 2, Cruz, Jones, and Kenny carried out a home invasion robbery in North Amityville on Long Island, prosecutors said. According to court filings, the defendants entered a residence armed with firearms and stole a large amount of cash.

Federal officials said the case reflects coordinated law enforcement efforts across multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, NYPD units, and Suffolk County authorities.

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo said the investigation highlights the importance of interagency collaboration in addressing gun-related violence.

If convicted, Cruz, Corona, and Nunez each face up to life in prison. Ramos faces up to 30 years, while Jones and Kenny each face up to 20 years.

“The pattern of violent carjackings and home invasion robberies alleged in this case is exactly the type of gun-related violence ATF and our partners are working to stop,” DiGirolamo said. “Through coordinated enforcement and timely intelligence sharing, we are disrupting those responsible and preventing further harm.”