Overview

• The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida filed a criminal complaint on Sept. 22 charging Taleah Williams, 21, and Javion Ward, 21, with Hobbs Act robbery.
• According to the complaint, the weeklong spree targeted convenience stores and gas stations along the I-75 corridor in Hillsborough, Sumter, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.
• The filing describes a Sept. 16 Tampa robbery netting about $600, an unsuccessful Sept. 17 attempt in Lake Panasoffkee, and four Sept. 19 robberies in Gibsonton, Ellenton, Nokomis, and North Port.
• Prosecutors allege Williams planned the crimes and supplied the car and firearm, while Ward entered the stores, brandished a pistol, and issued threats including a bid to access a safe.
• Investigators point to images posted hours after the robberies and clothing recovered in a Sept. 20 search as evidence, and each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.