New license plate reading cameras allowed the Secaucus Police Department to arrest a man who had assaulted and robbed prostitutes during several incidents in May and June, Police Chief Dennis Miller announced.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
On May 17th at approximately 9:51 p.m., the Secaucus Police Department responded to the La Quinta Hotel, 350 Lighting Way, on report of an armed robbery, Miller said in a statement.
The suspects, including one identified identified as Smith, allegedly forced their way into the victims’ hotel room while brandishing knives. After a struggle, the suspects fled the area with some of the victims’ money, personal belongings and documents.
Then, on May 31st at about 12:23 a.m., the Secaucus PD responded to the Red Roof Inn, 15 Meadowlands Parkway, on a report of a robbery.
According to the victim, a male was in the room with her when a man, later identified as Smith, and an accomplice forced their way into the motel room. After assualting the victim, the suspects stole some of the victim’s personal belongings and fled the area.
Several hours before the robbery on May 31, 2024, the Secaucus PD’s Planning and Intelligence Section began the first phase of installation of the license plate reader camera system around Town.
Furthermore, the license plate readers captured the suspects’ vehicle after they fled the Red Roof Inn on May 31, 2024, therefore providing detectives with a vital lead.
Next, on June 4th at roughly 5:39 p.m., the Secaucus PD responded to the Meadowlands Plaza Hotel, 40 Wood Avenue, on a report of a robbery. The victim reported that two individuals, one later identified as Smith, entered her hotel room and choked her.
After threatening to kill her, the suspects stole some of her personal belongings and fled the area. Once again the license plate readers captured the suspects’ vehicle after they fled the Red Roof Inn, providing detectives with another vital lead.
In addition to the license plate reader cameras capturing Smith’s vehicle at the scene of some of the robberies, detectives obtained other evidence through other investigative means, linking Smith to the aforementioned robberies.
Additionally, these robberies targeted women engaging in prostitution and were not acts committed on random patrons of Secaucus’ hotels.
On Wednesday, June 5th, detectives from the Secaucus PD Detective Division were conducting surveillance in the area of Kendall Smith’s Neptune Avenue residence in Jersey City.
At approximately 5:39 p.m., Secaucus PD Detectives, along with members of the Jersey City Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, stopped Kendall Smith, 32, of Jersey City, in the area of Martin Luther King Drive and Armstrong Ave, where he was placed under arrest.
A court authorized search of Smith’s vehicle led to the seizure of additional evidence linking him to these crimes.
“Unlike popular opinion, prostitution is not a victimless crime, especially when they are victimized themselves. I am extremely proud of the investigative work of my detectives and for the support provided from the Jersey City Police Department,” Miller added.
“Also, the availability of the technology used in this case is a testament to the commitment of Mayor Gonnelli and his Town Council who are extremely supportive in providing the Secaucus Police Department with tools that can assist us in our common goal, the safety of Secaucus residents and visitors of the Town.”
In late January, the Secaucus Town Council approved a $500,000 budget allocation for the aforementioned cameras.
“Several months ago, my administration pledged funds to install license plate reading cameras at all the entrances/exits in town with the intent to help prevent as well as solve crime,” recalled Mayor Michael Gonnelli.
“I am so glad to see the system, which is only partially installed, is already providing assistance. I am so proud of our police department and their efforts to keep our town safe.
Kendall Smith was charged with four counts of robbery, two counts aggravated assault, terroristic threats, three counts of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of engaging in prostitution, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
He was processed before being remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may follow. Anyone with additional information can contact the Secaucus Police Detective Division at (201) 330-2052 or detectivedivsion@secaucusnjpolice.gov.
