Following a five-day trial, a Union County jury panel found Carlos Cardoza, 34, of Elizabeth, guilty of robbery at gunpoint. Cardoza has been convicted of first-degree robbery and two counts of third-degree weapons related charges. The trial took place before State Superior Court Judge John M. Deitch.
The incident took place February 3, 2015 as reported by the victim, a gas station attendant. He was working at a Valero gas station on Elizabeth Avenue in Elizabeth, New Jersey, when Cardoza came in with a steak knife in hand demanding money. The defendant was wearing a ski mask and gloves, however he was also wearing a jacket that had conspicuous reflective stripes. He stole over $200 in cash.
The suspect was identified by that same jacket when he came into that same gas station two days later. This time the gas station attendant hid in the booth while Cardoza tried to force his way in. He called another worker who called the police. They showed up and arrested Cardoza moments later. Upon arrest, police found a steak knife in the front pocket of his distiguishing coat.
The state will suggest a 10 to 20 year state prison subject to the New Jersey No Early Release Act at the sentence for Cardoza. His sentencing is scheduled for July 7.
Tags: Union County, Robbery, Knife Violence
