Laquinton Montral Harris, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with Hobbs Act robbery and several firearm-related offenses, according to an announcement on Apr. 7 by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The charges stem from a January 31 incident in which Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported robbery at Z-Mart on Fred George Road in Tallahassee. Surveillance footage showed an armed individual dressed in black entering the store and demanding money from an employee. When the employee said he had nothing immediately available, the suspect fired a shot into the floor before taking the cash register drawer and leaving.
Law enforcement identified Harris as the main suspect following their investigation. A federal search warrant executed at his residence led to the discovery of a firearm and clothing matching those seen in surveillance footage. Harris is a convicted felon with prior felony convictions.
Harris appeared for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment for robbery; at least 10 years—consecutive to any other sentence—for carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence; and up to 15 years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain is prosecuting it.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative focused on combating illegal immigration and violent crime through coordinated efforts across agencies.
