Local Couple Arrested in String of Armed Robberies
LAKELAND, Fla. – A Lakeland man and woman are facing serious federal charges after being arrested for their alleged involvement in a series of armed robberies in the Tampa Bay area.
Andres Correa, 39, and Cassandra Kerr, 46, both of Lakeland, were arrested and charged with Hobbs Act robbery, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. The charges stem from a joint investigation by the FBI, ATF, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
According to court documents, Correa is accused of committing three armed robberies in August 2025. Kerr allegedly acted as an accomplice, aiding Correa in two of the robberies. If convicted, both face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each charge.
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The criminal complaint details the following allegations:
August 5, 2025: Correa and Kerr allegedly robbed a Tampa gas station. Correa is accused of brandishing a pistol, demanding cash, and pressing the firearm into a victim’s stomach until he received money. Kerr reportedly acted as a lookout in her vehicle outside the store.
August 7, 2025: Just two days later, the duo allegedly struck again, robbing a Tampa food mart. Correa is accused of holding a store clerk at gunpoint to get money from the register, while Kerr again served as a lookout.
August 19, 2025: Correa allegedly robbed a Seffner smoke shop on his own. He is accused of pulling a pistol from his chest area, grabbing a customer, and holding the gun to the back of the victim’s head and neck while demanding cash from the clerk.
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The investigation led law enforcement to execute search warrants on two residences on August 26, 2025. At one location, authorities found clothing matching descriptions from surveillance footage, a firearm consistent with the one used in the robberies, a stomach holster, and a ledger listing banks and smoke shops with directions.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. Officials reminded the public that a complaint is a formal charge, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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