Seven of them pleaded guilty and one was found guilty by a federal jury. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said they committed multiple robberies throughout mid-Florida.

TAMPA – A federal jury has convicted a Clearwater man in connection with a violent robbery in Lakeland during which a woman was shot at and beaten, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

Shamar Lajuan Thomas, a/k/a “Baby,” 26, Clearwater, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and using or carrying a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Thomas faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 1.

Thomas was the last member of a Polk County-based criminal organization to be convicted of conducting armed robberies of other drug dealers. He was indicted April 10. Prosecutors described the group as a “violent robbery organization.”

According to evidence presented at trial, from at least April 2007, and continuing through July 20, 2017, Marion Dwight, Jr. conspired with Thomas and others to commit multiple armed robberies and burglaries of several local drug dealers. During each of the robberies and burglaries, they discharged or brandished firearms. To date, the FBI has identified at least 14 armed robberies and four armed burglaries that were committed by Dwight and his co-conspirators.

In June 2016, Thomas and his co-conspirator, Fredrick James Burney, Jr. a/k/a “Frido,” forced their way inside a home in Lakeland in search of narcotics and cash. While inside, they held a male victim at gunpoint, and shot at a female victim. Thomas physically attacked the woman and repeatedly hit her in the head with his firearm, causing her to bleed profusely. Thomas and Burney stole cash and a firearm from the victims.

Seven others from the gang have pleaded guilty, and each faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment:

Michael James Baker, a/k/a “Bake,” a/k/a “Maserati,” 35, of Clearwater, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of robbery, and two counts of brandishing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 32 years in federal prison, and up to life imprisonment. His sentencing scheduled for March 15.

Fredrick James Burney, Jr., a/k/a “Frido,” a/k/a “Free,” 28, of Clearwater, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of robbery, and two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 35 years in federal prison, and up to life imprisonment. It is unclear when his sentencing is scheduled.

Sherrod Raeshad Gordon, a/k/a “Hott,” 32, of Tampa, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of robbery, and two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 35 years in federal prison, and up to life imprisonment. His sentencing scheduled for Jan. 11.

Marion Dwight, Jr. a/k/a “Woe,” a/k/a “Woe Money,” 31, of Lakeland, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of robbery, and two counts of discharging and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Dwight faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 35 years in federal prison, and up to life imprisonment. His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 15.

Bradney Henry McGary, 32, of Lakeland, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of robbery, and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years in federal prison, and up life imprisonment. His sentencing scheduled for Oct. 17.

Antonio Marquis Roddy, a/k/a “Lil Head,” 31, of Orlando, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of robbery, and two counts of discharging and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 35 years in federal prison, up to life imprisonment. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 11.

Jevin Michael Stone, 30, of Lakeland, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of robbery, and two counts of discharging and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 35 years in federal prison, and up to life imprisonment. His sentencing scheduled for Jan. 11.

U.S. Attorney | Crime | Courts | Tampabay News

#USAttorney #Crime #Courts #TampabayNews