A federal grand jury has issued an indictment charging two Tampa men with several federal crimes resulting from an armed apartment robbery earlier this year, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
The indictment names Jay El Wilburn, 47, and Alvaughn Parker, 27, both from Tampa. Both men face charges of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, robbery, using a firearm during a violent crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
If convicted, both defendants face lengthy jail sentences. Wilburn faces a required minimum term of 25 years to life in federal prison after already serving a federal sentence for using a firearm during a violent crime. If convicted, Parker faces a required minimum of seven years in federal prison and a maximum of life.
According to the indictment, the conspiracy culminated on January 20, 2026, when the two men reportedly entered an apartment in a Tampa complex.
According to authorities, Wilburn and Parker displayed firearms at the occupants, including a 13-year-old child, and confined them by zip-tying their hands behind their backs. The invaders then departed, having stolen cash, controlled narcotics, guns, jewelry, and other personal belongings.
On February 2, 2026, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) executed a federal search warrant at Wilburn’s apartment, connecting him to the crime. During the search, authorities found a loaded Taurus PT58S.380 caliber pistol with 10 rounds of ammo, which detectives believe was used in the heist.
Wilburn was already forbidden by federal law from owning firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions, which included carjacking and using a firearm during a violent crime.
Under federal law, an indictment is merely a formal charge. Wilburn and Parker are deemed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The ATF lead the investigation. Diego F. Novaes, an assistant United States attorney, is prosecuting the case.
Leave a Reply