PHILADELPHIA, PA — Two Philadelphia residents have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a violent attempted robbery in West Philadelphia. United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced on Thursday that 27-year-old Naim Newsome-Bostick and 22-year-old Nadir Gray received significant sentences for a 2022 crime involving armed kidnapping and assault.
Newsome-Bostick was sentenced to 160 months (over 13 years) in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Gray received a sentence of 92 months (7½ years) in prison, with similar terms for supervised release and assessment. The sentences were issued by United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney.
The charges stemmed from an incident on September 14, 2022, during which Newsome-Bostick and Gray targeted a man they believed to be a marijuana dealer. At gunpoint, the pair forced the victim into their vehicle, where they took his Rolex watch, wallet, and $3,000 in cash. During the ordeal, the victim attempted to resist while inside the moving vehicle, causing it to crash into a parked car. Newsome-Bostick responded by shooting the victim three times before fleeing the scene with Gray. The victim survived after being rescued and treated by police and medical staff.
Newsome-Bostick was apprehended by the Philadelphia Police Department on the same day, while Gray was arrested over a year later by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
U.S. Attorney Romero emphasized the importance of accountability in combating violent crime. “Anyone who thinks they can carry out an armed robbery in this city and get off scot-free should take a good look at this case. My office, the ATF, and the Philadelphia Police Department will continue to prioritize and prosecute these violent crimes — no matter who the victim may be — and we’ll see to it that the perpetrators are held accountable.”
ATF Special Agent Eric DeGree also underscored the seriousness of the crime, stating, “For the sake of some cash and a watch, these criminals kidnapped their victim at gunpoint, threatened his life, and shot him three times! The victim is lucky to be alive, and the defendants are lucky to not be facing murder charges. Working with our law enforcement partners, ATF will continue to bring justice for the victims of violent crime and help make our communities safer for all.”
The joint investigation by the ATF and Philadelphia Police Department led to the defendants’ prosecution by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. Eckert and Jason D. Grenell.
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