Denzell Oglesby was arrested today on a criminal complaint filed in federal court in the Eastern District of New York, charging him with the armed robbery of a convenience store in Brooklyn. Oglesby was arrested earlier today while being held in state custody, and his initial appearance is scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon at the United States Courthouse, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York.
The charges were announced by Robert L. Capers, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD).
As detailed in the complaint and as captured on the store’s surveillance camera, Oglesby entered the convenience store with a co-conspirator, who remains at-large. Oglesby pointed a firearm at the convenience store clerk, jumped over the store counter, and forced the store clerk to the floor. Oglesby’s co-conspirator struck and wrestled with the store clerk, while Oglesby stole cash proceeds and other items from the store. As the store clerk continued to resist the robbery, Oglesby repeatedly struck the store clerk in the head with the firearm before he and his co-conspirator fled.
“As alleged, the defendant engaged in a violent gun-point robbery and brutally beat the store clerk. Such wanton violence will not be tolerated,” stated United States Attorney Capers. “The defendant will now be held to account for his crime.” Mr. Capers expressed his grateful appreciation to the ATF and NYPD who are responsible for leading the investigation.
“Oglesby is alleged to have engaged in a brutal act of violence which undermines the safety and security of the people working and residing in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Benedict. “The ATF Special Agents and NYPD
Detectives assigned to the SPARTA Task Force are targeting the most violent offenders for prosecution in Federal court. Today’s arrest should serve as a clear warning to those who would engage in an armed robbery that the full force of law enforcement resources may be brought to bear against you.”
“This crime was as brazen as it was brutal. We have no tolerance for this type of violence in our city. I want to thank the detectives, agents, and prosecutors for their thoroughness in ensuring that the defendant is held account for his actions, as alleged in the complaint,” stated NYPD Commissioner O’Neill.
The charges in the complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a minimum of seven years in prison.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
DENZELL OGLESBY
Age: 23
Brooklyn, New York