Executive Summary
- Andres Correa, 39, and Cassandra Kerr, 46, were arrested and charged with Hobbs Act robbery for a series of armed holdups in Tampa and Seffner in August 2025.
- Correa is accused of committing multiple robberies using a pistol, while Kerr allegedly aided and abetted in two incidents by acting as a lookout.
- The arrests followed a joint investigation by the FBI, ATF, and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, part of “Operation Take Back America,” which led to the discovery of evidence including clothing, a firearm, and a ledger at their residences.
Laws and Precedent
- Andres Correa and Cassandra Kerr have been charged with Hobbs Act robbery, a federal offense, with Kerr also accused of aiding and abetting, which can lead to a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each charge upon conviction. These federal charges, announced via criminal complaint, fall under the Department of Justice’s “Operation Take Back America” initiative, underscoring a nationwide focus on combating violent crime.
Andres Correa, 39, and Cassandra Kerr, 46, both of Lakeland, Florida, have been arrested and charged with Hobbs Act robbery following a series of armed holdups in August 2025 across Tampa and Seffner. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the charges on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, detailing allegations that Correa committed multiple robberies, with Kerr aiding and abetting in two of these incidents. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each charge.
Allegations of Armed Robberies
According to the criminal complaints, the alleged crime spree began on August 5, 2025, when Correa and Kerr reportedly robbed a gas station in Tampa. Correa is accused of brandishing a pistol, demanding money, and pressing the firearm into a victim’s stomach to compel compliance. Kerr allegedly served as a lookout in her vehicle outside the establishment during the robbery.
Just two days later, on August 7, 2025, the pair allegedly targeted a food mart, also in Tampa. Correa reportedly entered the business, produced a pistol, and held a store clerk at gunpoint until he received money from the register. Kerr again is accused of acting as a lookout, providing support from her vehicle.
Correa is further charged with an additional robbery on August 19, 2025, at a smoke shop in Seffner. During this incident, he allegedly pulled a pistol from his chest area, grabbed a customer, and pointed the firearm at the victim’s head and neck while demanding cash from the clerk. The clerk reportedly complied, handing over the cash register drawer.
Investigation and Arrests
The arrests followed a joint investigation that culminated on August 26, 2025, with the execution of search warrants at two residences. Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), alongside detectives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the searches.
During one of the searches, law enforcement officials reportedly discovered clothing consistent with surveillance footage from the robberies, a firearm matching the description of the weapon used, a stomach holster, and a ledger. The ledger allegedly contained a list of banks and smoke shops, complete with directions to these businesses, suggesting potential future targets.
This collaborative effort was part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide Department of Justice initiative. The operation aims to leverage full departmental resources to combat violent crime, eliminate transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman is prosecuting the case.
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to note that a criminal complaint represents a formal charge, and all defendants are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in a court of law.
