Tampa Republic

Orlando, Florida – Dany Telfort, a 20-year-old resident of Orlando, has pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the plea. Telfort faces a potential sentence ranging from 14 years to life in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2025.

The plea agreement outlines that between March 23 and April 1, 2023, Telfort and co-defendant Nijah Jahni Mitchell were involved in nine armed robberies at convenience stores across Central Florida. In some incidents, Telfort reportedly entered the stores with a firearm, demanding money from clerks. In others, he served as the getaway driver while Mitchell allegedly conducted the robberies. As part of his plea deal, Telfort agreed to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used during these crimes.

Mitchell is awaiting trial. It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation was conducted by several law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Clermont Police Department, Ocoee Police Department, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and Oakland Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman is prosecuting the case.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by uniting law enforcement with communities. The program emphasizes trust-building within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes effectively.