Tampa Republic

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the return of an indictment charging Nijah Jahni Mitchell (22, Orlando) and Dany Telfort (20, Orlando) with multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted on all counts, Mitchell faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 28 years to life in federal prison, while Telfort faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 14 years to life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Mitchell and Telfort that the United States intends to forfeit the Glock 9mm firearm, Taurus 9mm firearm, and associated ammunition alleged to have been used during the commission of the offenses.

According to the indictment, between March 23 and April 1, 2023, Mitchell and Telfort robbed six convenience stores in Central Florida and brandished firearms during these robberies.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Clermont Police Department, the Ocoee Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oakland Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence; setting focused enforcement priorities; and measuring results.