Florida Men Charged with Armed Robbery

Two men from Florida are facing serious charges after allegedly robbing a family at gunpoint. One of the suspects reportedly posed as a utility worker. The victims, including a 13-year-old boy, were bound with zip ties during the incident, according to a Tuesday announcement from the Justice Department.

The accused, J.L. Wilburn, 47, and Alvaughn Parker, 27, both hail from Tampa. They have been charged with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to commit robbery under the Hobbs Act—this law aims to prevent robberies affecting interstate commerce. Other charges include robbery, using a firearm in a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The incident allegedly took place on January 20, when agents from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an armed robbery at a local apartment complex.

Wilburn supposedly entered an apartment dressed as a utility worker, complete with a helmet and reflective vest. Once inside, he brandished a pistol and threatened one of the victims by pressing the gun against her abdomen.

After securing the victims—an adult man and the teenage boy—by zip-tying their hands behind their backs, Parker reportedly entered the residence wearing a mask and sunglasses.

The duo managed to steal around $15,000 in cash, drugs, firearms, and jewelry, among other items, before fleeing the scene.

Law enforcement utilized surveillance footage, license plate identification, and various investigation methods to connect Wilburn and Parker to the robbery.

On February 2, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Wilburn’s home and found a loaded firearm associated with the robbery.

Wilburn has a history of felony convictions, including carjacking and gun-related offenses, which legally bars him from possessing a firearm. Previously, he served time in federal prison for using a firearm in a violent crime.