FLORIDA – A Florida convicted felon who reportedly shot a victim during a home robbery has been sentenced to federal prison.
Marques Howard, 31, of Tampa, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Mizelle to 17 years and three months in federal prison for Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit that robbery, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
As a part of the sentence, Howard was also ordered to forfeit the firearm and ammunition involved in the offenses. Howard pleaded guilty on December 5, 2022.
According to court documents, on April 20, 2022, Howard robbed an individual at their residence in the Tampa area. During the robbery, Howard is alleged to have discharged his firearm, shooting the victim in the leg.
Howard has a prior conviction for robbery. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman prosecuted it. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky handled the forfeiture.
