A Union County jury has returned a guilty verdict against an Elizabeth man who robbed a security guard of several hundred dollars in 2014, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced Friday.
Carl Dixon, 27, was convicted of second-degree robbery and simple assault after several hours of jury deliberation spread over two days following a three-week trial before state Superior Court Judge Robert J. Mega.
The date was July 25, 2014 when the victim stopped at a corner store prior to starting his work shift as a night security guard at a freight company on 6th Street in Elizabeth, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Stacey Zyriek, who prosecuted the case. As he walked from the corner store to his guard booth, Dixon called out to him, Zyriek said.
Dixon followed the victim into his guard booth and demanded money. When the victim didn’t immediately comply, Dixon punched him and choked him, Zyriek said.
Dixon made off with more than $400 in cash and all of the victim’s personal identification. He was arrested a week later following a tip from a concerned citizen.
Convictions on second-degree crimes are punishable by 5 to 10 years in state prison. Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for June 3 before Judge Mega.