A Philadelphia man has been convicted for his role in a series of violent home invasions, targeting local business owners and their families, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Eastern Pennsylvania announced. Shaquan Brown, 29, faces a stiff prison term following a federal jury's verdict on charges that included robbery, conspiracy, and firearms offenses.

Operating between November 2019 and January 2020, Brown, and his accomplices were found to have conspired to rob and terrorize business owners who they believed kept large sums of cash at home. Victims were tied up, threatened with guns, and, in some cases, subjected to physical violence. During the crime spree, Brown utilized GPS tracking to stake out his victims and carefully plan the attacks, according to a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

One harrowing incident on December 31, 2019, involved the owner of a nail salon. Upon returning to his business, the victim along with his family, including children, were zip-tied and assaulted as the intruders demanded cash and ransacked their residence. On January 3, 2020, Brown's botched attempt at another armed home invasion led to his capture after a triggered home alarm prompted his flight and a subsequent chase by police, ending in his arrest.

U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero underscored the severity of these crimes saying, "Home invasion robberies are terrifying for victims, shattering their sense of security where they once felt most safe. It’s unconscionable that running a successful business is enough to make you a target for criminals like Shaquan Brown, who prefer taking other people’s money at gunpoint to earning it for themselves." Brown is slated for sentencing on July 30, 2024, and could face life in prison.

The ATF also had strong words regarding the case, "Everyone should feel safe in their home," said Charles Doerrer, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Philadelphia Field Division. The federal conviction is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and enhancing safety through partnerships between law enforcement and communities.