Tampa man indicted for string of robberies across three Florida counties

FLORIDA — A Tampa man has been indicted for his alleged involvement in a series of armed robberies across Polk, Marion, and Hillsborough counties, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO).

Malcolm Green, 29, faces charges including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and using a firearm during a violent crime, with a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts.

Court documents reveal that Mr Green and his accomplices allegedly targeted multiple businesses over several weeks. On May 27, 2024, they reportedly robbed a convenience store in Brooksville, stealing approximately $8,000 worth of cigarettes.

The following month, on June 24, 2024, Green and others are accused of robbing a retail store in Ocala and another in Brooksville.

On June 28, Mr Green is said to have entered a drugstore in Tampa, clad in a black hoodie, blue medical mask, and dark clothing. He allegedly displayed a pistol with an extended magazine to a clerk before fleeing with stolen cigarettes.

Shortly after the robbery, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspect vehicle, leading to a high-speed attempt to evade capture.

Authorities said Green drove onto a sidewalk, striking a building column before being taken into custody.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation that the defendant has committed violations of federal law, and Mr Green is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.