Two Florida men have been indicted on federal charges following an armed home invasion where one suspect posed as a utility worker to gain entry, the Justice Department announced Tuesday.
Jay El Wilburn, 47, and Alvaughn Parker, 27, both of Tampa, face charges including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment stems from an incident on January 20, when Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an apartment where a robbery had occurred.
According to federal prosecutors, Wilburn, dressed in a hard hat and reflective vest, posed as a utility worker to enter the residence. Once inside, he allegedly brandished a .380-caliber pistol, grabbed a female resident by the neck, and pressed the gun against her stomach. He then compelled her to zip-tie the hands of herself and a 13-year-old boy who were present, along with another adult male victim.
Following the restraint of the victims, Parker entered the apartment. Prosecutors stated he was wearing a face mask, large sunglasses, and all black clothing. The two men then stole approximately $15,000 in cash, controlled substances, three firearms, about two ounces of marijuana, and jewelry before fleeing the scene.
Investigators utilized surveillance footage from nearby buildings, license plate readers, and other methods to identify the suspects. On February 2, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a federal search warrant at Wilburn's residence, recovering the firearm allegedly used in the robbery.
Records indicate Wilburn has prior felony convictions, including carjacking and using a firearm during a violent crime, which legally prohibit him from possessing firearms. He previously served a federal prison sentence for a similar offense.