In a recent case in Pensacola, a federal jury convicted Quinton L. Pete, a 34-year-old man from Ocala, Florida, of Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The conviction comes after a three-day trial, during which it was established that Pete had shot two employees at Coyote’s Sports Bar during a failed robbery attempt in March 2022. Law enforcement was able to identify Pete through surveillance footage and his phone’s location data. With prior felony convictions and only recently released from prison, Pete now faces a maximum of 30 years imprisonment. This conviction is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. Sentencing is set for October 26, 2023, before United States District Judge T.K. Wetherell.
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Title
Federal Jury Convicts Man Of Armed Robbery In Pensacola Shooting Case
Summary
Convicted felon found guilty of Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in Pensacola shooting case
Incident occurred at Coyote’s Sports Bar in Pensacola
Suspect apprehended in Dallas, Texas
Sentencing scheduled for October 26, 2023
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Introduction
None
Background
On March 9, 2022, a tragic incident unfolded at Coyote’s Sports Bar in Pensacola. During an attempted robbery of the establishment, two employees were shot at point-blank range by Quinton L. Pete, a convicted felon from Ocala, Florida. The victims were unable to identify the shooter at the time due to their injuries, but they provided a general description to the authorities.
Law enforcement agencies quickly launched an investigation into the crime, gathering surveillance videos from surrounding businesses. These videos led to the identification of a white Jeep Grand Cherokee in the vicinity at the time of the incident. The vehicle was later found to be registered to Quinton L. Pete.
The following day, Pete was apprehended in Dallas, Texas, where he was found driving a matching white Jeep Grand Cherokee. Upon his arrest, Pete was in possession of the firearm used in the robbery, which was subsequently confirmed through ballistics comparison. It was also discovered that Pete had previous felony convictions for Burglary of a Dwelling with a Firearm, Grand Theft, and Shooting at within or into a Dwelling. Shockingly, Pete had been released from prison just seven months prior to committing these offenses.
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Trial and Verdict
After a thorough investigation, Quinton L. Pete’s case came before a federal jury in Pensacola. The trial lasted three days, during which Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton presented evidence and argued the charges against Pete. Ultimately, the jury returned a guilty verdict, finding Pete guilty of Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The announcement of the guilty verdict was made by Jason R. Coody, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. This conviction serves as a testament to the thoroughness and dedication of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
Sentencing
Quinton L. Pete’s sentencing has been scheduled for October 26, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. The sentencing will take place at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T.K. Wetherell. Pete faces a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment for his crimes.
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Investigative Agencies
The successful resolution of this case was made possible through the collaborative efforts of several law enforcement agencies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Pensacola Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the Grand Prairie Police Department in Dallas, Texas, the United States Marshals, and the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit all played vital roles in the investigation and apprehension of Quinton L. Pete.
Prosecution
The prosecution of Quinton L. Pete was conducted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton. Their diligent work and commitment to justice ensured a successful outcome in this high-profile case.
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Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities across the United States. PSN brings together law enforcement agencies at all levels and empowers communities to be active participants in crime reduction efforts.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is encouraging everyone to be vigilant and take simple steps to protect themselves and their communities. One such step is to lock car doors, especially at night. Unlocked vehicles are often targeted by criminals, and stolen firearms from unlocked cars can contribute to a rise in gun-related crimes. By locking car doors, individuals can play a vital role in preventing these crimes and making their neighborhoods safer.
Contact Information
For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit their website at www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Contact the United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Florida at (850) 216-3845 or email libby.lastinger@usdoj.gov.
Follow the United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Florida on Twitter: @NDFLnews.
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Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/federal-jury-convicts-man-armed-robbery-pensacola-shooting-case