In a dramatic turn of events, two men from Florida now face charges after one committed an armed home invasion while masquerading as a utility worker. This brazen act, involving the confinement of a local family, including a teenager, was unveiled by the Justice Department on Tuesday.
The accused individuals, Jay El Wilburn, aged 47, and Alvaughn Parker, aged 27, both residents of Tampa, have been charged with numerous federal offenses. These charges include conspiracy to carry out Hobbs Act robbery—an offense involving the disruption of interstate commerce through robbery—alongside charges of robbery, using a firearm during a violent crime, and firearm possession by a felon.
Details from the indictment reveal that Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at a Tampa apartment on January 20 following a reported armed robbery incident.
Federal prosecutors allege that Jay El Wilburn, dressed convincingly as a utility worker, executed the robbery while restraining a family with the aid of his co-conspirator, 27-year-old Alvaughn Parker. (Justice Department)
Wilburn is accused of donning a hard hat and reflective vest as part of his disguise to gain access to the residence. Inside, he encountered a man, a woman, and their 13-year-old son, to whom he posed a significant threat.
Once allowed inside, Wilburn brandished a Taurus PT58S .380-caliber pistol. He grabbed the woman by the back of her neck and pressed the gun to her stomach, federal prosecutors said.
He then forced her to zip-tie the hands of both the man and the teenage boy behind their backs. Once they were restrained, Parker entered the home wearing a face mask and large sunglasses, dressed entirely in black.
Jay El Wilburn, 47, is charged with several federal crimes for a home robbery, the Justice Department said. (Justice Department)
The pair stole approximately $15,000 in cash, controlled substances, three firearms, about two ounces of marijuana, and jewelry physically taken from one of the victims before fleeing the scene.
Investigators linked the two suspects to the robbery using surveillance footage from nearby buildings, license plate readers, and other investigative methods.
On Feb. 2, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a federal search warrant at Wilburn’s residence, where they recovered the loaded firearm used in the robbery.
NYPD officers equipped with zip tie handcuffs stand in Manhattan. (Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
Wilburn has prior felony convictions, including carjacking and the use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, legally prohibiting him from possessing firearms.
He has also previously served a federal prison sentence for using a firearm during a crime of violence.