jail prison Handcuffs arrested

Clearwater Man Sentenced To Over 11 Years For Role In Armored Truck Robbery In Ellenton

jail prison Handcuffs arrested
Handcuffs, Source: Pexels

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A Clearwater man has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison for his involvement in the robbery of an armored truck. U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber sentenced 20-year-old Jorge Serrano Espinoza to 11 years and 3 months in prison for Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during the robbery. Espinoza was convicted at trial on September 11, 2024.

According to evidence presented at trial, Espinoza, along with James Battle and Carlos Keanu Smith, planned and executed the robbery of an armored truck on June 9, 2023.

READ: Woman Found Dead In Waters Off Clearwater Beach

The trio followed the armored truck from Pinellas County to a gas station in Ellenton, Florida. Toll records and surveillance footage confirmed their pursuit of the truck.

At the gas station, Battle and Smith, armed with pistols, confronted the armored truck driver, forcing him to the ground. Espinoza acted as the lookout while the others stole over $150,000.

Battle and Smith were previously sentenced to 10 years and 9 years in federal prison, respectively.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth prosecuted the case, and Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench is handling the forfeiture.

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