Orlando, Florida — A federal jury has found 23-year-old Nijah Jahni Mitchell guilty of multiple charges stemming from a series of armed robberies that terrorized Central Florida convenience stores this past spring. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the verdict, which included counts of Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, four counts of Hobbs Act robbery, four counts of brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
The jury heard evidence detailing how Mitchell, along with co-defendant Dany Telfort, engaged in a string of nine armed robberies between March 23 and April 1, 2023. These thefts unfolded over three separate evenings, during which the duo notably targeted various convenience stores. In the first spree, they robbed four locations; their second outing involved three stores, and two were hit during the final spree.
During these incidents, the defendants would enter each store, brandishing a weapon and demanding cash from the terrified clerks. A significant break in the case came after a witness managed to capture a partial license plate number from their getaway vehicle following the second series of robberies.
Law enforcement later spotted the vehicle associated with the suspects after the ninth robbery. Mitchell and Telfort attempted to flee on foot after abandoning the vehicle, but only Mitchell was apprehended that night. At the time of his arrest, he was still clad in the same clothing and mask worn during the last heist, and he was found with a loaded Glock pistol in his possession. Telfort, on the other hand, left behind a loaded Taurus pistol, which the authorities later determined contained DNA evidence linking both men to the crime.
Mitchell is now facing a minimum sentence of 28 years, with the possibility of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 26, 2025. Telfort, who is 20 years old, had previously entered a guilty plea and is currently serving an 18-year sentence for his involvement.
The investigation into this case was a collaborative effort involving several law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Orlando Police Department, and multiple county sheriff’s offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah P. Dorman, Rachel S. Lyons, and Megan Testerman led the prosecution.
This effort aligns with Project Safe Neighborhoods, a national initiative that unites law enforcement and communities to combat violence and enhance safety in local neighborhoods.
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