Laquinton Montral Harris, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, was indicted on May 8 for one count of Hobbs Act robbery, carrying and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
The case concerns an incident that took place on January 31 at Z-Mart on Fred George Road in Tallahassee. According to court documents, Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a robbery where surveillance footage showed an armed individual dressed in black entering the store. The suspect demanded money from an employee and fired a round into the floor when told there was nothing immediately available. The employee then handed over the cash register drawer before the suspect left. Law enforcement identified Harris as their main suspect following an investigation that included executing a federal search warrant at his residence where they found a firearm and clothing matching those seen in surveillance footage.
Harris appeared for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee. A jury trial is scheduled for June 23 before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.
If convicted, Harris faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the robbery charge; at least 10 years—consecutive to any other sentence—for carrying and discharging a firearm during a violent crime; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
"An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt," according to the statement released by Heekin's office. "All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt at trial." The case involves investigation by both federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as local deputies from Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida enforces federal laws and protects civil rights in northern Florida while prosecuting criminal violations across its jurisdiction covering 23 counties including Tallahassee according to its official website.
