Charles Rodriguez, 58, and Joseph Rodriguez, 57, both from New Jersey, were re-sentenced on December 13, 2023, to 30 years in prison for their involvement in two armed bank robberies and an attempted armored car robbery in the late 1990s. The brothers were originally sentenced to life in prison on March 30, 2000, after being convicted in 1999.
The Rodriguez brothers were convicted for conspiracy, two bank robberies, an attempted armored car robbery, carjacking, and firearms offenses. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the crimes took place in 1997 and 1998.
On July 19, 1997, Charles and Joseph, along with two others, robbed the CoreStates Bank in Woodlynne, New Jersey. Armed with rifles and a handgun, they threatened bank employees, stole $64,039, and fled in stolen vehicles. A year later, on May 23, 1998, they robbed the Commerce Bank in Moorestown, New Jersey, stealing $15,373, and engaged in a carjacking to escape the scene.
The final crime took place on September 1, 1998, when the brothers attempted to rob an armored car at a rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike. Armed with machine guns and ammunition, they were apprehended by law enforcement before the robbery could be carried out.
Judge Claire C. Cecchi dismissed one charge related to the use of firearms during the attempted robbery due to changes in the law. Consequently, the brothers were re-sentenced on the remaining counts.
Co-defendant Jose Soto, who participated in the attempted robbery, was sentenced to time served on November 18, 2022.