Five individuals charged for robbery in the US, including two of Indian descent
Indian-Origin Individuals Charged in US Home Invasion Robbery
Two Indian-origin individuals are among five people charged in the US with carrying out a robbery at gunpoint at the home of a small business owner in front of his young children. Bhupinderjit Singh, 26, Divya Kumari, 26, Elijaih Roman, 22, Corey Hall, 45, and Erik Suarez, 24, were charged with perpetrating a gun-point home invasion robbery in Orange County, New York.
Charges and Arrests
The defendants have been arrested and presented in White Plains federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik. They were all charged with one count of robbery conspiracy and one count of robbery. Additionally, Singh, Roman, Hall, and Suarez are charged with one count of using, carrying, possessing, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Penalties for the Charges
The robbery conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the robbery charge also carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. The additional charge of using a firearm in a crime of violence carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Details of the Robbery
According to the complaint filed in federal court, the five individuals perpetrated the gun-point home invasion robbery in the vicinity of the Town of Wallkill, New York around December 1, 2024. Singh, Roman, Hall, and Suarez forced the homeowner and his 10-year-old daughter into the house at gunpoint, while the victim’s wife and other three children were present.
The robbers zip-tied the hands and legs of the husband and wife and placed them on the couch next to their children. Three of the robbers searched throughout the house, while the fourth remained with the family, armed with a firearm. The robbers took jewelry and approximately $10,000 in US currency from a safe in the home.
Involvement of Divya Kumari
While the robbery was ongoing, Divya Kumari acted as a lookout in the vicinity of the victim’s house. After taking various stolen items, including jewelry and currency, the suspects left the scene.
Authorities’ Response
Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Edward Kim, stated that the defendants allegedly planned and executed a violent robbery in which children watched as their parents were held at gunpoint. FBI Assistant Director in Charge, James Dennehy, condemned the intrusion into the family’s home, emphasizing the terror imposed on the young children.
Conclusion
The case highlights the seriousness of home invasion robberies and the impact on victims, especially when children are present. The legal proceedings against the five individuals involved will continue as they face the consequences of their alleged actions.