Armed robber convicted

Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a jury has convicted a Queens man of all charges stemming from a 2013 robbery of an auto dealership in Franklin Square.

Horatio Forrest, 30, of Jamaica, was convicted last Friday of all counts against him: two counts of first-degree robbery (a B violent felony), three counts of second-degree robbery (a C violent felony), and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (a D felony).

The jury deliberated approximately three hours. Forrest, who elected not to participate in the trial, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison when he returns to court before Acting Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Jerald Carter on Aug. 19.

“This defendant took part in a violent armed robbery against unsuspecting victims at their workplace,” Singas said. “I’m grateful to the jury for its quick verdict and thank the police and prosecutors who worked hard to bring this defendant to justice.”

Singas said that on Sept. 13, 2013, Forrest and co-defendant David Hosannah entered Tri Star Motors at 790 Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square, where they robbed three employees at gun point, stealing Rolex watches, jewelry, cash and cell phones. The defendants fled in a Range Rover, owned and operated by co-defendant Rubens Petion, which police spotted blocks away and attempted to pull over. A pursuit through Elmont ensued, and the defendants were finally stopped at Evans Avenue and Scimitar Avenue in Elmont, where they were arrested with the proceeds. Hosannah and Petion are due to start trials within about a week.

Assistant District Attorney Martin Meaney of D.A.’s Major Offense Bureau is prosecuting the case. Forrest is represented by John Healy, Esq.