Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
A federal jury in Tampa, Florida, has found Jhakheem Smith guilty of brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced the verdict, which adds to Smith's previous guilty pleas for robbery and conspiracy charges related to the same incident. Smith could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each robbery offense and between seven years to life for the firearm charge. The sentencing date is yet to be determined.
The case stems from an incident on November 8, 2023, when Smith and his co-defendant Alex Jones robbed a convenience store in Clearwater. During the robbery, Jones wielded a firearm while Smith carried a baseball bat. They coerced the victim into handing over cash from the register, assaulted them with the firearm, and forced them into a back room. The pair stole over $800 along with the victim’s wallet and cellphone, leaving the victim with visible head injuries.
Surveillance footage captured Smith and Jones jumping over the counter to confront the victim and showed Smith searching for a safe that was never located. The video also depicted Smith attempting to damage surveillance cameras. Text messages retrieved from Jones's phone detailed their plans for the robbery.
Jones had previously pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 12 years and 11 months in federal prison on February 6, 2025.
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Clearwater Police Department; Largo Police Department; and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman is prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime by fostering trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
