Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced that Kevoun Najae Watts, a 22-year-old resident of Fort Myers, has pleaded guilty to charges related to armed robbery. Watts faces up to 20 years in federal prison for one count of Hobbs Act robbery and a minimum of seven years to life, consecutive to the robbery sentence, for brandishing a firearm during the crime. He has also agreed to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offenses. A sentencing date is yet to be determined.
The plea agreement states that Watts admitted to robbing two convenience stores at gunpoint in Fort Myers on July 31, 2024.
The investigation was conducted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by collaborating with law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, a strategy was launched by the Department to enhance PSN's effectiveness through principles such as fostering trust in communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
