Justice for F.S. Auto Dealerhip

Queens man sentenced to 20 years in prison for 2013 robbery

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A Queens resident has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a 2013 robbery of an auto dealership in Franklin Square, acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced yesterday.

A Nassau jury convicted Horatio Forrest, 31, of Jamaica, in July of all six counts against him, including two counts of robbery in the 1st degree, three counts of robbery in the 2nd Degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree.

“This defendant committed a violent armed robbery against people just going about their day at work, and now he will pay the price by way of a very long prison sentence,” 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.”

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, Singas said.

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 was convicted by a Nassau jury of the same charges as Forrest last month, and is due for sentencing on Jan. 11, 2016.

Assistant District Attorney Martin Meaney of Singas’ Major Offense Bureau is prosecuting the case. John Healy, Esq, represents Forrest.