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Press Release

Rochester Couple Arrested, Charged With Armed Robbery

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Fred Swan, Jr., 28, and Jessica Henton, 28, both of Rochester, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint. Swan is charged with Hobbs Act Robbery, use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Henton is charged with aiding and abetting and Hobbs Act Robbery. Swan faces up to 25 years in prison; Henton up to 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 18, 2017, Swan, assisted by Henton, robbed Alice’s Market at 1477 South Avenue in Rochester. The complaint further states that on March 24, 2017, Swan robbed the Valero gas station at 931 South Clinton Avenue in Rochester. On both occasions, Swan was armed with a firearm.

A subsequent search of the defendants’ apartment uncovered a firearm, clothing, and other items all of which matched articles either worn by defendants or taken from the robberies of one or both of the convenience stores. 

Swan and Henton made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman. Henton was released; Swan is being detained.  

            The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

Updated March 31, 2017