Gunpoint Robbery Spree Across LI Ends With 15½-Year Sentence For Mastic Man: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Mastic man who carried out a string of armed robberies across Long Island in a single night — then months later shot a man during a home invasion poker game — has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison, prosecutors said.

Josue Bedell Jr., 24, was sentenced Wednesday to 15 and a half years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.

Bedell pleaded guilty in March to multiple charges, including attempted murder, after prosecutors said he robbed four gas station convenience stores at gunpoint in less than an hour in December 2023, then later took part in a violent robbery and shooting inside a Sayville home.

According to prosecutors, the robbery spree began in the early morning hours of Dec. 3, 2023, after Bedell coordinated the use of a firearm, disguises, and a stolen Dodge Charger.

Authorities said the first robbery occurred at about 1:35 a.m. at a Bolla Market in Ronkonkoma, where Bedell held a clerk at gunpoint and fled with about $1,000.

Roughly 20 minutes later, at 1:55 a.m., he targeted a BP gas station in Hauppauge, again displaying a firearm and stealing about $1,200, prosecutors said.

Less than 30 minutes later, Bedell picked up an accomplice and entered a 7-Eleven in Amityville, where he jumped over the counter, threatened the clerk with a gun, and took approximately $800, according to the DA’s office.

Just six minutes after, prosecutors said Bedell and the accomplice struck again at a Bolla Market in Massapequa, stealing another $600 before fleeing.

After the fourth robbery, Nassau County police pursued the stolen Dodge Charger until it crashed into a tree on a residential lawn in Wantagh. The suspects fled, but investigators recovered key evidence at the scene, including Bedell’s cellphone, clothing, and cash from the robberies.

DNA from the vehicle’s deployed airbag later matched Bedell, prosecutors said.

Months later, on March 31, 2024, Bedell was involved in a separate violent incident in Sayville, authorities said.

Prosecutors said Bedell and an accomplice entered a home where a poker game was underway, held people at gunpoint, and stole money and jewelry.

During the robbery, another person arrived at the home. When the individual attempted to enter, Bedell fired at least two shots, striking the victim, according to prosecutors. The victim suffered multiple injuries and required medical treatment.

Bedell pleaded guilty on March 27 to five counts of first-degree robbery, second-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault, and fourth-degree conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, DA said.

He was sentenced on April 29 by Supreme Court Justice Anthony Senft Jr., officials said. Bedell was represented by attorney Elena Fast, who was not immediately available to comment.

“In a single night, this defendant went on a crime spree, robbing four businesses at gunpoint across two counties. Months later, he walked into a private home and shot an innocent man,” Tierney said. “No one should fear for their life going about their night, and no community should be subjected to this kind of brazen violence. I am grateful to our law enforcement partners whose thorough work helped us serve justice for this defendant.”