Jail Time for Armed Home Invaders In Morris Co.: Prosecutor

VICTORY GARDENS, NJ — Three men who pleaded guilty in a home invasion robbery in Victory Gardens last year have been sentenced to jail time, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp said.

Victor Hernandez, 20, Marlon Martinez, 23, both from Rockaway Borough, and Carlos Rodriguez, 22, all entered guilty pleads in February for their roles in the robbery, Knapp said. Hernandez and Martinez were both sentenced to three years, while Rodriguez was sentenced to five years in state prison.

All three were given the longest sentences they could under their pleas. The sentences are subject to the No Early Release Act; the men must serve at least 85 percent of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

According to Knapp, the three men broke into a home through an unlocked, but closed, door the night of Oct. 21, 2018. Hernandez and Martinez were armed with a metal bat at the time, Knapp said.

Rodriguez allegedly took a safe out of the closet, and three people in the home to either turn over the key, or be killed by Hernandez and Martinez. The homeowner handed over the key, as well as a gold necklace, and the three accused fled, Knapp said.

All three were arrested two days after the robbery, on Oct. 23.

Hernandez and Martinez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and Rodriguez pleaded guilty to armed robbery.