TAMPA, Fla. — A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging two Tampa men with a series of federal crimes stemming from an armed apartment robbery earlier this year, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
The indictment names Jay El Wilburn, 47, and Alvaughn Parker, 27, both of Tampa. Both men are charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
If they are convicted, both defendants face steep prison sentences. Because Wilburn previously served a federal sentence for using a firearm during a crime of violence, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and up to life in federal prison. Parker faces a mandatory minimum of 7 years up to life in federal prison if convicted.
According to the indictment, the conspiracy culminated on January 20, 2026, when the two men allegedly entered an apartment at a Tampa complex.
Once inside, investigators say Wilburn and Parker brandished firearms at the occupants, who included a 13-year-old child, and restrained the victims by zip-tying their hands behind their backs. The intruders then fled after stealing cash, controlled substances, firearms, jewelry, and other personal property.
Law enforcement connected Wilburn to the crime on February 2, 2026, when agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a federal search warrant at his residence. During the search, agents recovered a loaded Taurus PT58S .380 caliber pistol containing 10 rounds of ammunition, which investigators allege was the firearm used in the robbery.
Because of prior felony convictions, which include carjacking and using a firearm during a violent crime, Wilburn was already legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
Under federal law, an indictment is only a formal accusation. Both Wilburn and Parker are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation was led by the ATF. Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes is prosecuting the case.
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