Two Defendants Charged In March 2023 Drug-Related Robbery And Murder

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Chief of Police for the Town of Haverstraw, New York, John Gould Jr., announced today 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 March 5, 2023 fatal shooting of Eric Quinones in the parking lot outside of his home in Pomona, New York. WILKES, STEWART, and a third individual, 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 defendants were presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge District Judge Philip M. Halpern.

"This Office and our law enforcement partners continue to work tirelessly to keep the residents of this District safe," said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. "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."

"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," said Chief of Police for the Town of Haverstraw, John Gould Jr. "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. I want to commend the dedicated members of the Town of Haverstraw Police Department Detective Division, the FBI, the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, and the Rockland County District Attorney's Office for their collaboration and persistence throughout this investigation. 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."

As alleged in the Indictment, and based on statements made in public court proceedings:

On or about March 5, 2023, WILKES and STEWART robbed Eric Quinones at gunpoint in the parking lot outside of the Manors Apartments in Pomona, New York. WILKES and STEWART stole from Quinones, without limitation, narcotics and a firearm. In the course of that robbery, WILKES and STEWART brandished firearms and shot Quinones, resulting in his death. SIMPSON conspired with WILKES and STEWART to orchestrate the narcotics transaction that preceded Quinones's robbery and murder.

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WILKES, 29, of Nyack, New York, and STEWART, 35, of Nyack, New York, are each charged with Hobbs Act Robbery, which carries a maximum term of twenty years in prison; Firearms Use, Carrying, and Possession, which carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of 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, New York, are also charged with Narcotics Conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of twenty years in prison.

The statutory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the FBI Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, Town of Haverstraw Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff's Office, and Orangetown Police Department and thanked the Rockland County District Attorney's Office for its assistance in this investigation.

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

The charges in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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   As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.