United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced an indictment against Jose Flores Avila, a 33-year-old resident of Sorrento, Florida. Avila faces two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Each robbery charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The firearm charge includes a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, which could extend to life imprisonment, to be served consecutively with any sentences for the robberies.
The indictment alleges that Avila committed two robberies at Circle K stores in May 2024. On May 23, he reportedly robbed a store in Zellwood, Florida, using a firearm to steal cash and cigarettes from an employee. Two days later, on May 25, he allegedly carried out another robbery at a Circle K in Sorrento, again taking money and cigarettes from the staff.
It is important to note that an indictment is only a formal accusation; Avila remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The investigation into these incidents was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos will handle the prosecution.
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. Launched on May 26, 2021, this strategy emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting preventive community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.