Fort Myers, Florida – Shadarien Lamarr Ward, a 22-year-old from Fort Myers, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges including interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Ward could face life in federal prison, though his sentencing hearing is yet to be scheduled.
Court documents reveal that on the evening of September 1, 2024, Ward committed an armed robbery at a pizza shop near downtown Fort Myers. During the incident, he assaulted an employee and stole approximately $700 along with the cash register drawer before escaping on foot. Despite wearing a hood and mask during the robbery, law enforcement identified Ward after reviewing surveillance footage which led them to track him to a nearby motel.
Ward was also found to be wearing a GPS monitor as part of his state sex offender probation at the time of the robbery. This device helped authorities trace his movements before and after the crime. However, he removed the monitor and fled supervision post-robbery but was subsequently apprehended at a motel in North Fort Myers.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Fort Myers Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth is prosecuting the 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. Launched on May 26, 2021, this strategy focuses on building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.