Serial Armed Robber Who Targeted Convenience Stores Near I-75 Sentenced to 28 Years

Tampa, FL - Javion Ward (22, Fort Myers) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday to 28 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The court also ordered Ward to forfeit the firearm used in the robberies. Ward pleaded guilty on June 25, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, in September 2025, Ward personally robbed five convenience stores and aided a co-conspirator in attempting to rob a sixth store. The robberies took place in Hillsborough, Sumter, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, all in close proximity to I-75. During each robbery, Ward entered the store armed with a firearm and demanded money from the clerk. On September 16, 2025, Ward entered a convenience store in Tampa, brandished a pistol, demanded money, and obtained about $600. In the early morning hours of September 19, 2025, Ward robbed four more stores-in Gibsonton, Ellenton, Nokomis, and North Port-where each time Ward entered with a firearm and demanded cash. In Gibsonton, Ward jumped over the counter to attempt to access the safe. In Ellenton, he threatened to pistol whip the employee if they did not move faster.

This arrest was the result of an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the North Port Police Department, the Fort Myers Police Department, and the Venice Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department's commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.