A Mastic man was sentenced Wednesday to 15½ years in prison after admitting to a string of armed robberies across Long Island and a separate shooting during a home invasion poker game, Suffolk County prosecutors said.
Josue Bedell Jr., 24, pleaded guilty in March to multiple violent felonies tied to four gas station robberies in December 2023 and a March 2024 robbery and shooting in Sayville. He was sentenced April 29, 2026, and will serve five years of post-release supervision.
According to prosecutors, Bedell carried out a coordinated robbery spree beginning late Dec. 2, 2023, and continuing into the early morning hours of Dec. 3. Authorities said he obtained a firearm, wore inconspicuous clothing, and used a stolen Dodge Charger to target convenience stores from Ronkonkoma west to Massapequa over roughly one hour.
The first robbery occurred at about 1:35 a.m. at a Bolla Market in Ronkonkoma, where Bedell allegedly pointed a gun at a clerk and took approximately $1,000. About 20 minutes later, he carried out a similar robbery at a BP gas station in Hauppauge, stealing about $1,200.
At 2:23 a.m., Bedell picked up an accomplice and robbed a 7-Eleven in Amityville, jumping the counter and taking roughly $800. Six minutes later, he and the accomplice struck again at a Bolla Market in Massapequa, stealing about $600.
After the fourth robbery, Nassau County police pursued the stolen vehicle before it crashed into a tree in Wantagh. Investigators recovered a cellphone, clothing, and cash from the scene. DNA from the deployed airbag matched Bedell, prosecutors said.
Months later, on March 31, 2024, authorities said Bedell and an accomplice entered a Sayville home where a poker game was underway. Armed with a loaded firearm, they allegedly held several people at gunpoint and stole money and jewelry.
During the robbery, another individual arrived at the home. Prosecutors said Bedell fired at least two shots, striking the person and causing injuries that required medical treatment.
Bedell pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree robbery, one count of attempted murder, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, one count of second-degree assault, and one count of conspiracy.
All of the top charges are classified as violent felonies under New York law, exposing Bedell to a lengthy prison term. His final sentence includes 15½ years behind bars followed by five years of post-release supervision.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said the case involved a “crime spree” that spanned multiple communities and escalated to gunfire inside a home.
Bedell’s accomplices and any additional related cases were not detailed. The investigation involved Suffolk County police, Nassau County police, and the District Attorney’s Gang Task Force.
Photo: SCDA
