Robber Admits Posing as Passaic Sheriff's Officer In Paterson Home Invasion

Clemente R. Carlos, 29, said he and 33-year-old Jason Thompson of Paterson conspired with an unidentified getaway car driver to hold up the resident who lived there because they believe he “kept cash proceeds from his distribution business (there),” U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said.

Carlos said he and Thompson both dressed in county sheriff’s garb to get in while their accomplice waited outside.

During the robbery, one of them “broke open a piece of furniture” looking for money, Fishman said. Both “threatened to kill the residents (two adults and a child) if they did not comply with their instructions,” he added.

One of the victims was tied up, Fishman said.

Sentencing was set for April 4, 2017.

Thompson – an ex-con who police was carrying a firearm -- still faces charges, Fishman said.

The U.S. attorney credited the FBI and members of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office for making the case. He also thanked the county sheriff’s office and Paterson police for their assistance.

Handling the case for the government is Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Hafetz of Fishman’s Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark.

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