A 21-year-old Central Florida man was charged in an armed robbery spree, stealing from four local businesses.
United States Attorney Roger Handberg announced the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Marlon Leondre Lockhart, of Winter Springs, with four counts of Hobbs Act robbery and four counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
If convicted on all counts, Lockhart faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 28 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Lockhart that the United States intends to forfeit the Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol and associated ammunition which are alleged to be used during the commission of the offenses.
According to the indictment, between November 24, 2023, and December 14, 2023, Lockhart stole property from four local businesses.
It is alleged that Lockhart stole the property by taking it from the employees of the business against their will and by actual or threatened force, violence, and fear of injury to the employee’s person. Further, it is alleged that Lockhart brandished a firearm during each robbery.
This Central Florida case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orlando Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lyons.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
