33 Years in Prison Over a Bad Tattoo? Camden, NJ, Robber Gets Sentenced

A Camden man has been sentenced to 33 years in state prison after being convicted for carrying out two gunpoint robberies at a Collingswood apartment building and then leading police on a pursuit in 2021.

25-year-old Jaquis Burton was sentenced on Monday, October 20th, and he will be required to serve at least 28 years before being eligible for parole.

Back in June, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree robbery, one count each of second-degree burglary, second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree eluding, third-degree theft, third-degree aggravated assault, fourth-degree aggravated assault, fourth-degree resisting arrest, four counts of third-degree criminal restraint, and two counts each of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault (a disorderly persons offense).

Robberies at Parkview Towers in Collingswood

Prosecutors say on the night of January 10th, 2021, Burton forced his way into an apartment in Parkview Towers in Collingswood. Once inside, he restrained two women and two children, ages 3 and 9 at the time, at gunpoint. Burton demanded money and then pistol-whipped one of the women, who sustained significant injuries.

While fleeing the apartment building, Burton also robbed and assaulted an unrelated man in the lobby at gunpoint. He also pistol-whipped that victim.

Burton then fled in a vehicle into Camden, where he led the Camden County Police Department on a lengthy pursuit through the city before ultimately being arrested.

Motive Behind the Crimes

During the investigation, information was developed that showed the robbery stemmed from Burton's girlfriend, 25-year-old Anada Shanks of Lindenwold, being unhappy with a tattoo that she received from a person associated with the apartment.

Shanks, who is accused of acting as a co-conspirator, was also arrested and charged with similar offenses. Her case is pending in Camden County Superior Court.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.