Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
Tallahassee, FL – Trashad Laron Roberts, 34, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with escaping from a residential treatment facility where he was held in lawful custody. The charges were announced by United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida, following Roberts’ arraignment in federal court on September 16, 2025.
Court Proceedings Underway
Roberts appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick for his arraignment on September 16, 2025, in Tallahassee. His trial is currently scheduled for November 4, 2025, and will be presided over by Chief United States District Judge Alan C. Winsor.
If convicted of the escape charge, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment in federal prison.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case against Roberts is being investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the federal agency responsible for fugitive apprehension and judicial security. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
Legal Context and Presumption of Innocence
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a formal accusation by a grand jury, alleging that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law. It is not considered evidence of guilt.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. They are entitled to a fair trial, where the government bears the burden of proof.
Part of “Operation Take Back America”
This case falls under the umbrella of “Operation Take Back America,” a comprehensive nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Department of Justice. The operation aims to leverage the full resources of the Department to address critical issues such as illegal immigration, the dismantling of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and the protection of communities from violent crime perpetrators.
Operation Take Back America achieves its objectives by streamlining efforts and resources from key Department of Justice programs, including the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
The indictment of Roberts underscores the Justice Department’s continued focus on maintaining the integrity of the justice system and ensuring accountability for those who attempt to evade lawful custody, particularly through initiatives designed to enhance public safety.
