Clay Co. Man Hit With Armed Gas Station Robbery Charge

United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez dropped the hammer on Joshua Noah Sams, 20, from Orange Park, Florida, charging him with armed robbery and brandishing a firearm during a heist at a local gas station. The crime occurred on November 12, 2019, where Sams allegedly held an employee at gunpoint and made off with cash.

Should Sams be found guilty, he’s looking at up to 20 years for the robbery charge and mandatory minimum of seven years, with a life sentence possibility, for the firearm offense. The feds also aim to seize any proceeds from the crime as part of their pursuit of justice.

Sams is already in federal custody in the Northern District of Florida, serving on unrelated charges involving robbery and firearms.

The charge against Sams is a stark reminder that violent crime does not go unchecked. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein will lead the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez is coordinating efforts under the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program, a nationwide initiative to combat violent crime through a multi-faceted approach including investigation, prosecution, prevention, and reentry support. This program is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to public safety in the Middle District of Florida.

Despite the serious nature of the charges, Sams remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

RELATED: Breathitt Co. Felon Gets 180-Month Sentence for Drug Smuggling & Gun Law Violation