2004
Media Releases:
CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA INFORMATION
April 8, 2004
Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi announced that Superior
Court Judge Samuel D. Natal today sentenced Matthew Lovett, M/19,
to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, including 8½ without parole
eligibility. Lovett pleaded guilty in December to Carjacking, admitting
that he wielded a firearm to threaten a motorist in an attempt to
commandeer a vehicle on July 6, 2003, in Oaklyn, N.J.
Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Ottenberg argued for a substantial term
of imprisonment, noting that the investigation revealed Lovett exerted
influence upon two younger co-defendants.
"Undeniably, each of the juveniles was led astray by the older,
more mature Lovett," Ottenberg wrote in a sentencing brief submitted
to Natal.
Co-defendant Cody Jackson, 15, previously pleaded guilty to Carjacking
and has begun serving a five-year term, with no possibility of parole.
A second co-defendant, Christopher Olson, 15, pleaded guilty to
Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and has begun serving
a four-year sentence, including three years without the possibility
of parole.
At approximately 3:48 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2003, the three teenagers,
all dressed in black clothing, attempted to carjack a male motorist
at Kendall Boulevard and West Clinton Avenue in Oaklyn, investigation
indicates. The driver sped off and alerted Oaklyn Police. Patrolman
Charles Antrilli responded to the scene, confronted the three armed
suspects, drew his service weapon and ordered them to drop their
weapons. The suspects complied and were taken into custody without
further incident.
The defendants were arrested in possession of two rifles, a shotgun,
two handguns, two swords, several knives and approximately 2,000
rounds of ammunition. They had allegedly planned over a period of
several months to commandeer a vehicle and commit multiple homicides.
Sarubbi described Lovett as the "ringleader," adding the sentences
reflect each defendant's relative role in the incident.
Sarubbi credited Oaklyn Police Chief Christopher Ferrari and his
department for the skill and professionalism they displayed in defusing
the explosive situation, protecting the public and investigating
the case. The prosecutor also praised the detectives and attorneys
in his office who investigated and prosecuted the case.
"This sentencing represents the final proceeding in this sad series
of events," Sarubbi said. "The lives of these three defendants are
forever changed. But so too is the Borough of Oaklyn forever changed
by what happened on its streets that July night. And it is important
to recognize the devastating effect on the victims in this case.
Fortunately, they suffered no physical injury, thanks to Patrolman
Antrilli's decisive actions. But the psychological impact is with
them today and will remain with them for a very long time.
"In assessing this case and meeting the sentencing recommendations
for these defendants, we kept in mind a number of objectives."
"First, we wanted to ensure that all of these defendants were treated
as adults. These crimes are serious offenses and needed to be treated
that way. Each now has, and should have, an adult criminal record
that is part of the public domain. The public has a right to know
who they are and what they have done."
"Secondly, we wanted to have substantial punishment, however, that
punishment had to allow for a reasonable opportunity for rehabilitation
of these youthful offenders."
"Third, we were anxious to deter other misguided people from engaging
in similar criminal conduct."
"In the future, we hope that young people will stop and remember
the Oaklyn situation - it's tragic aftermath; recognizing the serious
consequences they could face when they arm themselves with deadly
weapons or engage in otherwise violent and senseless criminal conduct."
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