Former mayorial candidate Whitfield Leland III, 45, of Tallahassee, has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for the armed robbery of a Dollar General store. Leland’s sentence was handed down by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
On May 20, 2024, Leland robbed the Tallahassee Dollar General at gunpoint, demanding cash from the manager. A quick-thinking customer called 911, leading to a swift response by the Tallahassee Police Department. Officers caught up with Leland outside the store after a chase, where they found him dressed as an employee and in possession of $689.
Leland’s record is that of a violent repeat offender; he has been convicted 13 times before, qualifying him as an Armed Career Criminal. His convictions include resisting law enforcement officers with violence and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida praised the swift action of law enforcement. “This outcome reflects our continued commitment to protecting Tallahassee’s residents and businesses from harm,” said Chief Lawrence Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case, which was part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at eliminating cartels and criminal organizations. The office encourages community members to lock their car doors at night to prevent thefts that fuel crime in the Northern District of Florida.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is committed to upholding justice and ensuring public safety. For more information, visit their website.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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