U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg | U.S. Department of Justice
Tampa, Florida – Peter Latimore, Jr., a 43-year-old resident of Zephyrhills, has been indicted on multiple charges including interference of commerce by robbery, attempted robbery, use of a firearm during and in commission of a felony offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If found guilty, Latimore could face a minimum sentence of 29 years to life in federal prison.
The indictment follows a series of armed robberies between October 2 and November 22, 2024. The targeted businesses were located throughout the Tampa Bay area and included supermarkets in Tampa, Brandon, Zephyrhills, and a beauty supply shop in Plant City. According to reports, Latimore allegedly displayed a firearm to clerks during these incidents. In one case, he reportedly threatened to shoot if the clerk did not comply quickly.
Law enforcement officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with local police departments identified and arrested Latimore. A search conducted at his residence on December 3 led to the discovery of the pistol believed to have been used in these crimes.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes will prosecute this case which was investigated by ATF agents along with officers from the Plant City Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
This legal action is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community groups. Launched on May 26, 2021, this strategy focuses on building trust within communities while supporting organizations that work towards violence prevention.
