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DeLand Robber Gets 7+ Years in Federal Prison
ORLANDO, FL – A DeLand man learned a harsh lesson in federal court this week, sentenced to seven years and three months behind bars for a brazen robbery that terrorized a local convenience store clerk. Tyrese Littles, 25, was handed the sentence by Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II, following a guilty plea entered on May 13, 2025. The court didn’t just stop at prison time; Littles was also ordered to forfeit $10,000 – the cash he and his crew stole – and pay the same amount in restitution to the victim, a hardworking store employee now forced to relive the trauma of the incident.
The crime unfolded on March 3, 2024, when Littles acted as the getaway driver for a meticulously planned robbery of a gas station convenience store in DeLand. Court documents paint a chilling picture: one of Littles’ accomplices didn’t hesitate to brandish what appeared to be a Glock firearm, pressing it against the back of the store clerk’s head while demanding cash. The robbers made off with a hefty $10,000, fleeing the scene and making a beeline for a nearby parking lot where Littles waited, engine running, ready to make their escape.
This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision, investigators believe. The level of coordination suggests a degree of planning, turning a simple robbery into a federal Hobbs Act violation. The Hobbs Act targets robberies and extortion that affect interstate commerce, giving federal authorities jurisdiction even in seemingly local crimes. Littles’ role as the getaway driver, while seemingly less direct, made him an integral part of the scheme, and thus, equally culpable under the law.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, alongside the diligent work of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and the DeLand Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro skillfully prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and ensuring Littles faced the full weight of the law. This case serves as a stark warning to anyone contemplating similar criminal activity in the region: federal agencies are watching, and they will act.
This prosecution falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program designed to unite law enforcement at all levels with the communities they serve. The goal? To drastically reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to create safer neighborhoods for everyone. Launched in May 2021, the current iteration of PSN emphasizes building trust, supporting community organizations, focusing enforcement efforts, and rigorously measuring results – a holistic approach to tackling the root causes of crime.
Littles’ sentence isn’t just about punishing him for his actions; it’s a message. A message to potential criminals that robbing businesses, terrorizing employees, and disrupting communities will not be tolerated. The $10,000 forfeiture and restitution order also offer a small measure of relief to the victim, though no amount of money can fully erase the fear and trauma inflicted that day. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in Florida and beyond.
RELATED: Orlando Men Sentenced for Armed Publix Robberies
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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