Two Orlando men are now facing federal charges after a series of armed robberies at convenience stores across Central Florida. Nijah Jahni Mitchell, 22, and Dany Telfort, 20, have been indicted on multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The accused could see sentences ranging from a minimum mandatory of 14 years to life in federal prison, depending upon the conviction outcomes.
The indictment alleges that from March 23 to April 1, 2023, the duo carried out six robberies and menacingly used firearms in the process. The firearms in question, a Glock and a Taurus, both 9mm, along with the associated ammunition, are subject to forfeiture by the United States as they were purportedly used in the offenses. Though these are serious charges, it's important to remember that an indictment is not a verdict of guilt; defendants maintain their presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.
Several local law enforcement agencies, including the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, collaborated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the investigation. The prosecution side lines up with Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman at the helm. This case has been incorporated into the framework of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nation-wide initiative striving to curb violent crime and gun violence, and to bolster community safety.
Project Safe Neighborhoods has intensified its efforts since implementing a revised violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021. This strategy focuses on trust-building within communities, supporting organizations that aim to prevent violence, and setting measured enforcement priorities. Further details on the case and its progress will be monitored as they unfold.
