Two Philadelphia men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in an armed robbery and shooting incident that took place in West Philadelphia in 2022. United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced the sentencing of Naim Newsome-Bostick, 27, and Nadir Gray, 22, both from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney sentenced Newsome-Bostick to 160 months in prison with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Gray received a sentence of 92 months in prison, also with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
The charges stem from an incident on September 14, 2022, when Newsome-Bostick and Gray robbed a man they believed was a marijuana dealer at gunpoint. The victim was forced into their vehicle where he was robbed of his Rolex watch, wallet, and $3,000. During the encounter, the victim resisted and fought back while inside the vehicle which resulted in it crashing into a parked car. In the ensuing chaos, Newsome-Bostick shot the victim three times before both defendants fled the scene.
Philadelphia police officers responded quickly to transport the victim to hospital where he recovered from his injuries. Newsome-Bostick was arrested later that day by local police while Gray was apprehended by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in September 2023.
U.S. Attorney Romero emphasized the seriousness of violent crimes like this one stating: “Anyone who thinks they can carry out an armed robbery in this city and get off scot-free should take a good look at this case.” She added that her office along with ATF and local law enforcement would continue to prioritize such cases.
Eric DeGree from ATF's Philadelphia Field Office highlighted how fortunate both parties were given the circumstances: “The victim is lucky to be alive, and the defendants are lucky to not be facing murder charges.”
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations. The investigation involved both ATF agents and Philadelphia Police Department officers with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. Eckert and Jason D. Grenell.