Feds Charge 2 In March 2023 Drug-Related Robbery And Murder In Rockland County

POMONA, NY — There has been a major development in a more-than-three-year-old murder investigation, according to the Town of Haverstraw Police Department.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald; Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI, James C. Barnacle, Jr.,; and Chief of Police for the Town of Haverstraw, John Gould Jr., announced on Tuesday the unsealing of an indictment charging Jaquey Wilkes, a/k/a "BQ," and Tyrone Stewart, a/k/a "Ty," with robbery, firearms offenses, and murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Eric Quinones, on March 5, 2023, in the parking lot outside of his home in Pomona.

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Wilkes, Stewart, and a third man, Leroy Simpson, a/k/a "Unc," were also charged with narcotics conspiracy in connection with the drug transaction that preceded the robbery and murder. All three were presented Tuesday afternoon before a U.S. magistrate judge.

"This Office and our law enforcement partners continue to work tirelessly to keep the residents of this District safe," McDonald said. "As alleged, Jaquey Wilkes and Tyrone Stewart robbed and murdered Eric Quinones outside of his home during a drug deal orchestrated by Leroy Simpson. We will relentlessly pursue those who plague our community with drug and gun violence and will hold them accountable for their crimes."

"Today's charges underscore the FBI's resolve to hold violent offenders who terrorize our communities accountable for their actions," said Assistant FBI Director James C. Barnacle, Jr. "As alleged, the defendants orchestrated a drug‑related robbery that culminated in a tragic and senseless murder. The FBI will continue to pursue these offenders until they are held fully accountable. We extend our gratitude to our partners at the Haverstraw Police Department and the United States Attorney's Office for their dedication and coordination throughout this investigation."

According to the charges, on March 5, 2023, Wilkes and Stewart robbed Quinones at gunpoint in the parking lot outside of the Manors Apartments in Pomona. Wilkes and Stewart stole drugs and a gun from Quinones, prosecutors said. In the course of the robbery, Wilkes and Stewart brandished firearms and shot Quinones, resulting in his death, according to the allegations. Simpson conspired with Wilkes and Stewart to orchestrate the narcotics transaction that preceded the deadly robbery, according to the feds.

"This indictment is the result of an intensive investigation and the unwavering commitment of our detectives and law enforcement partners to seek justice for the victim and his family," Chief of Police for the Town of Haverstraw Police Chief John Gould Jr. said. "From the outset, the Town of Haverstraw Police Department remained committed to following the evidence wherever it led and ensuring that those allegedly responsible for this violent crime were held accountable ... This case demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships among local, federal, and county law enforcement agencies and sends a clear message that acts of violence in our community will be investigated relentlessly, regardless of how much time has passed."

Wilkes, 29, of Nyack, and Stewart, 35, of Nyack, are each charged with Hobbs Act Robbery, which carries up to twenty years in prison; firearms use, carrying, and possession, which carries 10 years to life in prison; and murder through use of a firearm, which carries a maximum term of life in prison or death.

Wilkes, Stewart and Simpson, 33, of Pomona, are also charged with narcotics conspiracy, which carries up to twenty years in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office's White Plains Division, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Wheelock and Ioannis Drivas in charge of the prosecution.