Pinellas County Men Indicted for Violent Armed Robbery

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By Staff Writer | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC News & Media)
Published April 30th, 2024

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the indictment of two Pinellas County men, Alex Jones, 31, and Jhakheem Smith, 24, for their involvement in a violent armed robbery of a convenience store. The charges include Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

The incident, which occurred on November 8, 2023, in the Clearwater area, involved Jones and Smith forcibly entering the store and using a firearm to intimidate and physically assault the store clerk. According to the indictment, the men struck the clerk in the back of the head with the weapon and subsequently forced him to the back of the store before fleeing the scene.

If convicted, both individuals face up to 20 years in federal prison for each robbery charge. Additionally, the charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence could result in a life sentence.

This case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside the Clearwater and Largo Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman is prosecuting the case, which is part of the broader Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. This federal program aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through enhanced cooperation among law enforcement agencies and community-based prevention efforts.

For Immediate Release: U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida

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