Darius Hudson, Armed Robbery, Florida 2024

Tampa, Florida – A shocking tale of deception and violence unfolded in federal court as Darius Hudson, 44, of Arcadia, was sentenced to 39 years and 2 months in federal prison for his role in a string of armed robberies, home invasions, and shootings that left a trail of terror in Pasco, Polk, Lee, and Hillsborough counties, as well as Georgia and Arizona.

The crimes, which took place between December 2020 and April 2021, were perpetrated by a group of conspirators who impersonated law enforcement officers by wearing black clothing, gloves, and masks, often with law enforcement insignia, or vests with 'Sheriff' affixed. They drove a black SUV equipped with lights, and often handcuffed their victims.

Hudson, along with his co-conspirators, including Reginald Roberts, Jr., Nathaniel Keith Carr, Daniel Jackson, Chrishawn Butler, Jeremy Bernard Hazelton, O'Marie Danyell Hudson, Jasmine Weber, and Elyana Bazail, used their disguises to gain the trust of their victims, who were often awoken in the middle of the night at home, beaten, pistol whipped, threatened, and, on several occasions, shot.

According to evidence introduced during the trial, Hudson was identified as the individual who brought a white backpack to his robberies, which he used to store zip ties that he would later use on his victims.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the Bartow Police Department, the Lakeland Police Department, the Dade City Police Department, the Cape Coral Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff's Office, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, the Arcadia Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol.

The conspirators were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes, who successfully secured convictions for the group.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

The sentencing of Hudson marks the culmination of a lengthy investigation and prosecution, bringing closure to the victims and their families. Reginald Roberts, Jr., was sentenced to 41 years, Nathaniel Keith Carr received 26 years and 6 months, Daniel Jackson was sentenced to 22 years and 11 months, Chrishawn Butler received 20 years and 6 months, Jeremy Bernard Hazelton was sentenced to 15 years and 8 months, O'Marie Danyell Hudson was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months, Jasmine Weber received 5 years, and Elyana Bazail was also sentenced to 5 years.

The case highlights the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of community cooperation in preventing such crimes. As the investigation and prosecution demonstrate, the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve can lead to lasting results.

With the sentencing of Hudson and his co-conspirators, the people of Florida can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served, and that those responsible for these heinous crimes will face the consequences of their actions.

January 22, 2024, Tampa, Florida.

Darius Hudson was sentenced to 39 years and 2 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three separate Hobbs Act robberies, and brandishing and discharging a firearm during the commission of those robberies.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/arcadia-man-and-eight-co-conspirators-sentenced-committing-multiple-armed-robberies