Edward Y. Kim, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Robert Felix-Aracena was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels, pertains to Felix-Aracena's involvement in a series of gunpoint carjackings across Manhattan, the Bronx, and other locations during 2020.
Felix-Aracena faced charges for conspiring with others in these violent acts and committing related firearms offenses. Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim emphasized the severity of the crimes: “Robert Felix-Aracena and his co-defendants engaged in a violent, armed carjacking spree that endangered lives and terrorized victims.”
Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of ATF's New York Field Division, remarked on the outcome: “This sentencing for these brazen armed carjackings should serve as a clear warning that such criminal acts will never be tolerated.” He acknowledged the collaborative efforts between various law enforcement agencies that led to bringing those responsible to justice.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch commented on the resolution of this case: “This sentencing marks the final dismantling of an organized criminal network that instilled fear in New York City motorists.” She highlighted the dedication shown by NYPD investigators and ATF agents involved in resolving these cases.
The indictment detailed multiple incidents involving Felix-Aracena and co-defendants Christian Cruz, Andres Caicedo, and Jose Lavandier from October to November 2020. These included several instances where they brandished firearms during carjackings in various parts of New York City.
In addition to his prison sentence, Felix-Aracena received three years of supervised release upon completion of his term. At age 24 and a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in the Bronx at the time of arrest, he now faces consequences for his actions alongside his previously sentenced co-defendants.
The case was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Z. Margulies and Jonathan L. Bodansky from the Office’s General Crimes Unit.