A 26-year-old man will spend the next 20 years in federal prison for multiple robberies of Orlando businesses, including a gas station that he robbed at gunpoint.
On Friday, June 16, U.S. Middle District of Florida Judge William Jung sentenced Deshawn Martin of Orlando to 20 years in federal prison for Hobbs Act robbery. Martin pled guilty in February 2023 and, as part of his plea agreement, acknowledged his guilt in four additional Hobbs Act robberies of businesses located in the Orlando area.
The Hobbs Act prohibits actual or attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce.
According to court records, on October 15, 2021, Martin and 27-year-old Shinel Waldrop, who is also from Orlando, robbed a gas station in Plant City. During the incident, Martin entered the store, pointed a weapon at two individuals, and took money from the cash register and one of the victims.
Martin then exited the store and fled in a vehicle driven by Waldrop.
Waldrop previously pled guilty for her role in the case and, in March 2023, she was sentenced to spend 18 months in federal prison.
As part of the Hobbs Act, Martin must serve the entire 20 year sentence and is not eligible for parole.