A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Jay El Wilburn and Alvaughn Parker in Tampa on July 13, charging them with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Wilburn faces a minimum sentence of 25 years up to life if convicted due to his prior federal conviction for using a firearm during a crime of violence. Parker faces between 7 years and life in federal prison if convicted. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Wilburn and Parker conspired to commit an armed robbery at an apartment complex in Tampa on January 20, 2026. The indictment alleges that they entered the apartment armed with firearms, threatened the occupants—including a 13-year-old child—and restrained them by zip-tying their hands behind their backs before stealing cash, controlled substances, firearms, jewelry, and other personal property.
On February 2, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Wilburn’s residence where they recovered the loaded Taurus PT58S .380 caliber pistol used in the robbery. At that time, Wilburn had previous felony convictions including carjacking and use of a firearm during commission of a violent crime, which prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
The announcement stated, “An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
This prosecution forms part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative focused on countering illegal immigration activities as well as eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations.