Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
A Lee County couple faces federal charges in connection with five armed robberies across multiple counties along the I-75 corridor in Florida last week. Taleah Williams, 21, of North Fort Myers, and Javion Ward, 21, of Fort Myers, were charged with Hobbs Act robbery, an offense that carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison if they are convicted.
Allegations of a Multi-County Robbery Spree
According to the criminal complaint filed by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, Williams and Ward allegedly conspired to commit the robberies during the week of September 15, 2025. The incidents occurred in Hillsborough, Sumter, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, all located near I-75.
The complaint details that Williams orchestrated the plan, providing both the vehicle and the firearm used in the alleged crimes. In each incident, either Williams or Ward entered the establishments armed with a firearm, demanding money from store clerks.
Timeline of Alleged Robberies
The first alleged robbery took place on September 16, 2025, when Ward reportedly entered a convenience store in Tampa, brandished a pistol, and stole approximately $600. The following day, September 17, Williams allegedly attempted to rob a gas station in Lake Panasoffkee using the same firearm but left without taking any money.
On September 19, 2025, Williams reportedly drove Ward to four more stores in Gibsonton, Ellenton, Nokomis, and North Port. In these incidents, Ward allegedly entered the stores with a firearm and demanded money. During the Gibsonton robbery, he is accused of jumping over the counter to access a safe, and in Ellenton, he allegedly threatened to pistol-whip an employee.
Social Media Posts and Arrest
Hours after the final alleged robberies, Williams reportedly posted photos on social media depicting herself and Ward, with Ward holding large amounts of cash. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Williams’s residence on the morning of September 20, 2025, where they recovered clothing items matching those worn by the suspects during the robberies.
Investigation and Prosecution
The arrests were the culmination of an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with significant assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Multiple local law enforcement agencies also contributed to the investigation, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, North Port Police Department, Fort Myers Police Department, and Venice Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth is prosecuting the case. It is important to note that a criminal complaint represents a formal charge, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
