A federal jury has convicted Emarjai Walker, 29, of Plant City, Florida, on charges of interference with commerce by robbery and discharging a firearm during a violent felony. Walker faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
Trial evidence showed that on April 5, 2020, just before midnight, Walker robbed a gas station at 2911 James Redman Parkway in Plant City. After the clerk opened the cash register as demanded, Walker shot the clerk in the face. Walker then fired a second shot that missed the clerk’s head while the clerk was on the floor. Walker fled the store. A customer discovered the clerk 10 minutes later.
The clerk identified Walker as the perpetrator days later from a hospital bed, based on familiarity with Walker’s mannerisms from prior store visits, despite Walker wearing a disguise and mask.
Additional investigation found that Walker conducted extensive media searches related to the incident afterward and attempted to sell a .38-caliber handgun the following day.
The case was investigated by the Plant City Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Tampa Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Jim Preston and Brooke Padgett prosecuted the case.
The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative that coordinates resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods. Nothing further at this time.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida
