Man Who Robbed NJ Hotels at Gunpoint Charged with Hobbs Act Robbery

A man believed to be behind six armed robberies at New Jersey hotels has been taken into federal custody and is expected to make an appearance in court Tuesday afternoon in Newark, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman.

Law enforcement apprehended Tremone Burnett, 42 of Orange, Tuesday and is being charged with six counts committing a Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.

He was charged with related offenses by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and has been in state custody.

According to the complaint, Burnett robbed at least six hotels located in Carteret, Lebanon, Newark, Rockaway, and Secaucus at gunpoint between May 9 and June 19. During each robbery, Burnett aimed a gun at hotel employees and in some cases tied up their hands and feet.

He stole uncashed employee checks, safe deposit boxes, an ATM, and a personal credit card in addition to cash. The Hobbs Act charges have a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable up to life in prison. Each charges carries a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss due to the crime.

Photo via Shutterstock.