Antwone Malik Coleman Booker, Hobbs Act Robbery, Mississippi 2020

Gulfport, Miss. – In a brazen act of violence, 19-year-old Antwone Malik Coleman Booker of Moss Point has been brought to justice for his role in a Hobbs Act robbery at a local Waffle House. On February 19, 2020, Booker pleaded guilty to the crime in front of U.S. District Judge Halil S. Ozerden.

According to court documents, Booker stormed into the Waffle House in Moss Point on August 15, 2019, and pointed a black handgun at the cashier, demanding money. In a chilling display of violence, Booker fired a round of ammunition into the ceiling of the restaurant, and after the waitress handed him the cash, he fired another round. Booker then fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after.

The investigation into the robbery was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Moss Point, Ellisville, and Pascagoula Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.

Booker’s guilty plea comes with serious consequences. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the robbery, with at least 7 years added consecutively for using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Booker will be sentenced on May 21, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. in Gulfport.

The actions of Booker will not be tolerated in our community. The people of Gulfport and surrounding areas deserve to feel safe, and it’s up to us as journalists to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

As the investigation into this case continues, one thing is clear: the use of violence and intimidation will not be tolerated. We will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as more information becomes available.

U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) praised the bravery of the employees at the Waffle House and the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. ‘This guilty plea is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the men and women who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,’ said Hurst.

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