Two Tampa residents have been indicted on federal charges for a violent home robbery that involved a hostage situation and the use of a firearm.
Jay El Wilburn, 47, and Alvaughn Parker, 27, face conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, robbery, use of a firearm during a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Deputies responded to a Tampa apartment on January 20 after reports of an armed robbery. Wilburn entered the residence disguised as a utility worker, wearing a hard hat and a reflective vest.
Inside, he displayed a Taurus PT58S .380‑caliber pistol, seized a woman by the neck, and pressed the weapon to her abdomen. He then compelled the woman to zip‑tie the hands of the man and a 13‑year‑old boy behind their backs.
Parker entered the home wearing a face mask, large sunglasses, and all‑black clothing. Together they stole approximately $15,000 in cash, controlled substances, three firearms, about two ounces of marijuana, and jewelry taken from one victim.
Investigators linked the suspects to the crime through surveillance footage from nearby buildings, license‑plate readers, and additional investigative techniques.
On February 2, agents executed a federal search warrant at Wilburn’s residence and recovered the loaded firearm used in the robbery.
Wilburn’s record includes prior felonies for carjacking and firearm use during violent offenses, which prohibit him from possessing guns. He has also served a federal prison term for a firearm‑related crime.
The indictment brings both men before federal court, where they face the full range of charges stemming from the January robbery.
