The United States Attorney’s Office and the Tampa Police Department (TPD) have announced the results of their efforts to combat violent crime in the area. During 2022, federal prosecutors and TPD worked together to charge and prosecute 91 defendants for federal crimes, including firearms and drug offenses. These prosecutions have removed a total of 74 firearms from the streets.
One of the major cases supported by TPD was the prosecution of the Robles Park criminal enterprise, which was involved in a range of crimes including murder, assault, intimidation, narcotics trafficking, unemployment insurance fraud, identity theft, and obstruction of justice. On July 19, 2020, members of the organization were involved in a shooting outside the Truth Lounge in Tampa, which left eight people injured, including minors. This shooting led to a retaliatory armed confrontation with rival gang members in the parking lot of the International Plaza retail establishment in Tampa. The resulting gunfight left 25 spent shell casings and several damaged vehicles. As a result of the investigation into this incident, four individuals associated with the Robles Park enterprise have been charged with federal firearms and violent offenses; three of those individuals have already pleaded guilty.
Other notable cases supported by TPD include the sentencing of Jeffrey Davis and Tyee Spike to 24 years and 26 years and 3 months in prison, respectively, for a series of commercial armed robberies in Tampa, Fishhawk, and Riverview. Antonio Phillips was sentenced to eight years in prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Javeon Jacobs received a 21-year prison sentence for pleading guilty to three counts of brandishing a firearm while committing carjackings. Natwan Callaway was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg commented on the significance of these cases, saying: “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to fighting violent crime through our partnerships with local law enforcement agencies like the Tampa Police Department. The prosecutions and sentences announced today demonstrate the importance of these partnerships and our shared commitment to keeping our communities safe.”