Crime & Safety

Orange Man Sentenced to 20 Years For Carjacking Livingston Resident

53-year-old township resident was forced out of car outside Orange fast-food restaurant in March 2012.

An Orange man will be behind bars for up to two decades for carjacking a Livingston resident last year.

A jury on Friday sentenced Raheem Battles, 32, to serve 20 years in prison for the carjacking of a 53-year-old Livingston man in March 2012. After a two-week trial, the jury deliberated for an hour and a half before returning with the verdict. 

Assistant Prosecutor Brian Matthews said in a press release the verdict fit the crime.  

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“A 20-year sentence is entirely appropriate based on the violent nature of carjacking and because the crime was committed by a convicted felon,” said Matthews, who tried the case. “I commend the Orange Police for their outstanding police work resulting in this successful outcome.”

On March 20, 2012, the Livingston man was parked in a fast-food restaurant parking lot on Main Street in Orange when Battles entered his car and forced him out. Later, Orange Police officer followed the car because it was “driving erratically” and speeding, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Battles eventually collided with another car and was arrested.

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Friday’s verdict marks Battles’ second felony conviction. Under state statute, Battles must serve at least 17 years of his 20-year sentence before he is eligible for parole. 


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