Tampa Men Who Robbed and Zip-Tied Victims in Their Home Indicted (DOJ)

Tampa, Florida -A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against Jay El Wilburn (47, Tampa) and Alvaughn Parker (27, Tampa) for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Wilburn previously served a federal sentence for using a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 25 years, up to life, in federal prison. Parker faces a minimum sentence of 7 years, up to life, federal prison, if convicted. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Wilburn and Parker conspired to commit an armed robbery in Tampa. On January 20, 2026, they made their way into an apartment at a Tampa apartment complex where they brandished firearms at the occupants-including a 13-year-old child-and restrained the victims by zip-tying their hands behind their backs. Wilburn and Parker stole cash, controlled substances, firearms, and other personal property, including jewelry, before fleeing the scene.

On February 2, 2026, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a federal search warrant at Wilburn's residence and recovered the loaded firearm, a Taurus PT58S .380 caliber pistol containing 10 rounds of ammunition, that had been used in the robbery. At the time, Wilburn had prior felony convictions, including carjacking and use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. Therefore, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.