A Tampa man will face the consequences for robbing a local gas station and discharging a firearm.
31-year-old Rafael Jimenez, of Tampa, pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possession and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to court records, on March 8, 2025, Jimenez entered a gas station in Tampa and brandished a firearm while demanding money from the cash register. Shortly after making this demand, Jimenez fired a shot in the direction of the clerk, striking the ground directly behind the clerk.
Rafael Jimenez stole cigarettes and more than $600 from the store.
He was apprehended after surveillance footage from days earlier showed physical similarities between Jimenez and the robber, including a distinctive tattoo. Evidence found in Jimenez’s trash included a ski mask, gloves, and cigarettes of the same brand the robber had used. Surveillance video showed a vehicle like Jimenez’s traveling near the scene of the robbery before and after it had occurred.
Rafael Jimenez faces a minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Jimenez’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2026.
This Central Florida case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky is handling the forfeiture. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
