Joseph Deleon, Armed Robbery, Florida 2018

Tampa, Florida – In a brazen act of violence, Joseph Deleon, a 29-year-old resident of Mount Dora, Florida, has been found guilty of armed robbery following a federal trial in Tampa. The crime, which occurred on March 15, 2018, at a 7-11 store in St. Petersburg, left witnesses shaken and the community on high alert.

According to court testimony, Deleon entered the convenience store shortly after midnight and pointed a gun at the cashier, demanding the contents of the register. The thief made off with approximately $100 and several packages of stamps, leaving the store’s employees and customers to process the traumatic event.

Deleon’s actions were deemed a serious offense, with the federal jury finding him guilty of robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The maximum penalty for this crime is life in federal prison, leaving Deleon with a daunting prospect as he awaits sentencing.

The investigation into Deleon’s crimes was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory T. Nolan, who worked tirelessly to bring Deleon to justice.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Launched in 2001, the initiative has seen significant success in its mission, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated the program in October 2017.

U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in the Middle District of Florida, working closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials to achieve the program’s goals. The partnership has been instrumental in keeping communities safe and ensuring that those who commit crimes are held accountable.

Joseph Deleon faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for his crimes. He was indicted on July 11, 2018, and his sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled. The community can take heart in knowing that the law enforcement agencies involved in this case are committed to delivering justice and keeping the streets safe.