By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Morris County announced the sentencing of Michael Guirguis, 39, of Jersey City, in connection with the armed robbery of a Best Buy on May 28, 2022.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said on May 10, the Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C., imposed a sentence of 28 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 23.75 years of parole ineligibility.
Specifically, the defendant received 28 years for the first-degree Robbery, officials stated.
According to officials, the third-degree Shoplifting, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon merged into the Robbery.
Guirguis had been found guilty by a jury on March 22 of first-degree Armed Robbery, third-degree Shoplifting, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, officials said.
Authorities say Judge Amirata also found Guirguis guilty of Resisting Arrest, and he was held at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending sentencing.
The State presented evidence that on May 28, 2022, Guirguis entered Best Buy on Route 10 in East Hanover and removed multiple iPads and iPhones from a display table worth a total value of $4,500, officials say.
Officials said as he tried to flee Best Buy, Guirguis brandished a knife at an asset protection employee.
Guirguis also brandished the blade of the knife at a second individual after stepping outside of the store with the stolen items, officials stated.
According to officials, police arrived to find Guirguis in the parking lot with the knife and stolen items in hand.
The defendant did not respond to lawful orders and was apprehended by force, officials said.