Laquinton Harris, a 36-year-old Tallahassee man, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison following a violent January armed robbery at a Z-Mart convenience store. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Harris pleaded guilty in August to charges including Hobbs Act Robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
A shot fired on Fred George Road
The incident unfolded in January at the Z-Mart located on Fred George Road. Court records describe a scene of sudden escalation: a masked gunman entered the store and demanded money from an employee. To emphasize the threat, the gunman fired a single round into the floor. Under the duress of the firearm, the employee complied, removing cash from the register and handing it over to the assailant.
While the court ordered Harris to pay $547 in restitution, a firearm was discharged in the workplace during the robbery.
The forensic trail to the arrest
The investigation into the Z-Mart robbery didn’t rely on a witness’s memory of a masked face, but on the physical evidence left behind. Investigators executed a search warrant at Harris’s home, where they discovered two critical pieces of evidence: a firearm that matched the shell casing recovered from the store floor and clothing worn by the robber.
The definitive link was established through DNA analysis. Forensic testing confirmed Harris’s DNA was present on the clothing recovered during the search, effectively closing the gap between the masked figure and the suspect in custody.
Harris receives nine years in federal custody
The decision to prosecute Harris under the Hobbs Act is a significant detail. Harris’s status as a convicted felon further compounded his legal jeopardy.
The sentencing breakdown for Harris includes:
- Prison Term: Nine years in federal custody.
- Supervised Release: Five years of supervised release following his release.
- Financial Restitution: $547 paid to Z-Mart.
