[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A couple from Fort Myers has been charged after committing a string of armed robberies along I-75 last week, U.S. Attorney Greg Kehoe said.
Starting on September 16, the pair went on a crime spree, robbing five stores over three days.
Kehoe said that Taleah Williams, 21, was the mastermind behind the plan and provided the vehicle and firearm used during the robberies.
On Sept. 16, they drove to a convenience store in Tampa, where Javion Ward, 21, went in, brandished a pistol, and stole around $600. The following morning, Williams attempted to rob a gas station in Lake Panasoffkee, but was unsuccessful and left without taking any money.
Two days later, the couple committed a string of robberies in four Gulf Coast cities, all near I-75. Stores in Gibsonton, Ellenton, Nokomis, and North Port were hit, Kehoe said.
In Gibsonton, Ward jumped over the counter in an attempt to access the safe, and in Ellenton, he threatened to pistol-whip an employee for not moving quickly enough.
Within hours of the final robbery, Williams posted a video on social media featuring her and Ward, showing him holding wads of cash in both hands.
Police executed a search warrant at Williams’ home the next day, where they discovered clothing matching the attire worn during the robberies.
Both are now facing federal charges of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a potential 20-year sentence, Kehoe said.
Key Information
- Location: Tampa, Florida
- Date of Crimes: September 16-19
- Individuals Involved: Taleah Williams (21), Javion Ward (21)
- Number of Stores Robbed: 5
- Main Charge: Hobbs Act robbery
- Potential Sentence: Up to 20 years
[ad_2]
Article original publish date: 2025-09-22 23:15:00
Article source: www.wfla.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.wfla.com
