Two men from Florida face federal charges after committing an armed robbery, posing as utility workers, and restraining a family. The Justice Department reported the incident on Tuesday.
Suspects and Charges
Jay El Wilburn, 47, and Alvaughn Parker, 27, both from Tampa, were indicted on multiple federal charges. These include conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, robbery, use of a firearm during a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hobbs Act robbery involves crimes that impact interstate commerce.
Details of the Crime
On January 20, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported armed robbery at a Tampa apartment. Wilburn, disguised as a utility worker, gained entry to the apartment occupied by an adult man, woman, and a 13-year-old boy.
Wilburn carried a Taurus PT58S .380-caliber handgun, used it to threaten the woman, and made her restrain the other two occupants with zip ties. Parker then entered the apartment, masked, and dressed in black.
The robbers stole about $15,000 in cash, controlled substances, three firearms, two ounces of marijuana, and jewelry. They then fled the scene.
Investigation and Arrest
Investigators utilized surveillance footage and license plate readers to connect Wilburn and Parker to the crime. On February 2, ATF agents conducted a search at Wilburn’s home, discovering the loaded gun used in the robbery.
Wilburn, with prior convictions for carjacking and firearm use during violent crimes, cannot legally own firearms. He previously served a federal sentence for such offenses.