Deshawn Martin, Gas Station Robbery, Florida 2021

A brazen gas station robbery in Plant City, Florida, has landed an Orlando man a 20-year prison sentence.

Deshawn Martin, 26, of Orlando, pleaded guilty in February 2023 to Hobbs Act robbery in connection with the October 15, 2021, heist.

According to court documents, Martin and his co-defendant, Shinel Waldrop, 27, of Orlando, robbed a gas station in Plant City. Martin entered the store and pointed a weapon at two individuals, taking money from the cash register and from one of the victims.

Martin then exited the store and fled in a vehicle driven by Waldrop.

Waldrop previously pleaded guilty for her role in this case. In March 2023, she was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Plant City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.

Martin was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William Jung to 20 years in federal prison. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/orlando-area-man-sentenced-20-years-gas-station-robbery