Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the indictment of Peter Latimore, Jr., a 43-year-old resident of Zephyrhills. Latimore faces charges including interference with commerce by robbery, attempted robbery, use of a firearm during and in commission of a felony offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If found guilty, he could face a minimum sentence of 29 years to life in federal prison.
The criminal complaint and indictment allege that between October 2 and November 22, 2024, Latimore carried out armed robberies at several businesses across the Tampa Bay area. These included supermarkets located on Fowler Avenue in Tampa, Brandon, Zephyrhills, and a beauty supply shop in Plant City. In each incident, it is alleged that Latimore displayed a firearm to clerks by lifting his shirt. In one instance, he reportedly threatened to shoot if the clerk did not hurry.
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with local law enforcement officers identified and arrested Latimore. On December 3, 2024, they executed search warrants at his residence where they reportedly found the pistol used in these offenses.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a formal charge that indicates violations of federal criminal law have been committed; every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF alongside the Plant City Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes will prosecute this case.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes fostering trust within communities while supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs.