March 14, 2008: Morristown resident Anthony Wilson, 40 years old, was sentenced by Judge John Harper, J.S.C. to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison with 85% parole ineligibility for Robbery and Weapons charges. Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph D'Onofrio, Jr. argued on behalf of the State that the statute requires a mandatory life sentence for Wilson. After Judge Harper handed down his sentence, the State immediately filed a stay, meaning that the Appellate Division would review the legality of the sentence before it becomes effective.

The defendant was convicted on February 4, 2008 by a Morris County Jury of First Degree Robbery and Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. The verdict followed a seven day trial before Judge Harper. During the trial, testimony revealed that on March 4, 2006 at approximately 6:30am, a taxi cab driver in the town of Dover was robbed by a group of three or four unknown individuals. The taxi driver testified that this group of individuals entered the taxi cab and that one of the individuals placed a metal bar across his throat. A sum of money was stolen from the taxi driver.

Morris County Sheriff's Office Investigators processed the scene and were able to recover what appeared to be blood from the interior of the cab as well as blood from the sweater of the victim. The evidence was submitted for DNA testing and came back linking the defendant's DNA to what was found at the crime scene.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This sentence reflects our commitment to protecting our community from violent offenders. I commend the efforts of the Morris County Sheriff's Office, the Town of Dover police officers and the State Police who analyzed the evidence from the crime scene. The diligent efforts of everyone involved enabled our attorneys to present a solid case before the jury."

This case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joseph J. D'Onofrio, Jr. The defendant is represented by Jessica Moses, Esq., of Morristown.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio