A federal jury has convicted Tony Clanton, also known as "Tone," on all counts related to a series of armed robberies and attempted robberies in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey. The indictment against Clanton included charges of Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and possession of firearms during violent crimes. The trial took place over six days before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto. Clanton now faces a minimum prison sentence of 25 years, with the possibility of life imprisonment.
Announcing the verdict, John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said Clanton led "a cruel and violent spree" over six months across New York City and New Jersey, targeting various victims, including families with children. Durham praised the investigative work of the FBI and NYPD, which resulted in Clanton's arrest and conviction. He also acknowledged the Edison, New Jersey Police Department for their assistance in the case.
Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of the FBI, Terence G. Reilly, described Clanton as a "serial violent criminal" who pursued victims for financial gain. Reilly emphasized the FBI's commitment to removing violent organized criminals from the streets to ensure community safety.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch remarked that Clanton "terrorized communities throughout New York City," holding individuals at gunpoint and even impersonating a federal agent. Tisch commended the collaborative effort between the NYPD, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in bringing Clanton to justice.
The trial revealed that Clanton was involved in a succession of violent robberies between January 2023 and July 2023. Details of these crimes include a home invasion in Staten Island where a victim was assaulted and an attempted robbery involving an impersonation of FBI agents in New Jersey.
The prosecution, led by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew M. Roddin and Matthew Skurnik with the support of Paralegal Specialist Timothy Migliaro, was prepared by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.
At 51 years old, Tony Clanton, a resident of Staten Island, New York, awaits sentencing following the conviction.