NORTH BERGEN AND BEYOND – According to the United States Attorney Paul J. Fishman, Hamad Siyam, 42, of North Bergen was convicted today for allegedly organizing a cargo theft ring.
Fishman said that Siyam allegedly was responsible for stealing full tractor-trailers of merchandise from trucking yards in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Siyam was convicted on both counts of conspiring to poses goods traveling in interstate commerce and possession of goods traveling in interstate commerce.
The guilty verdict was reached after a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Dennis Cavanaugh.
Fishman said that before his arrest and conviction, Siyam was looking for warehouse space through an acquaintance, but he did not know this person was cooperating with the FBI and the New Jersey State Police’s Cargo Theft Unit. Siyam was caught on video allegedly inventorying the stolen goods.
His conviction carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the possession count carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years and a $250,000 fine.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 28, 2011. – Tricia Tirella