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After learning that his co-defendant agreed to a deal, as well, 24-year-old Addis S. Aka took his plea in Hackensack yesterday.
In doing so, he avoided a potential 10-year prison sentence had he been convicted at a trial.
Presiding Superior Court Judge Liliana DeAvila-Silebi set an April 17 sentencing date.
Aka will get five years, 85% of which he must serve under the state No Early Release Act.
It will be served as the same time as any that Aka might receive if convicted of drug charges that are pending against him in Passaic County, where he was being held.
Co-defendant Ashley Lozano of Garfield, who had agreed to testify against Aka, was preparing to accept her own deal, authorities said. She remained free on $20,000 bail, with what her lawyer said were plans to enter drug court.
Police arrested Lozano shortly after the holdup and then Aka.
Aka posted bail but was arrested again two months later on heroin distribution charges in Passaic, where authorities said they seized 420 folds, a stolen Glock .40-caliber handgun and $1,057 in cash from him and his girlfriend’s Mill Street apartment.
Aka jumped out a window and tried to run but was quickly caught, they said.
STORY / PHOTO: Mary K. Miraglia, CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Reporter
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