TAMPA (mocobiz) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Monday that an Arcadia man has been found guilty of planning and carrying out multiple armed robberies while disguised as a police officer.
According to US Attorney Roger B. Handberg, a federal jury has convicted 44-year-old Darius Hudson of multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three separate Hobbs Act robberies, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
The Hobbs Act robbery refers to a robbery that impacts interstate commerce, such as the theft of goods from a truck crossing state lines. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the trial presented evidence that demonstrated Hudson’s involvement in a group that conspired to carry out armed robberies across multiple counties and states.
These criminal activities took place between December 2020 and April 2021, spanning Pasco, Polk, Lee, and Hillsborough Counties in Florida, as well as Georgia and Arizona.
During the robberies, the suspects posed as law enforcement officers, donning black attire, gloves, and masks adorned with law enforcement insignias. Additionally, they donned vests labeled “Sheriff” and utilized a black Dodge Durango as their getaway vehicle. Frequently, they restrained their victims with handcuffs.
Hudson could potentially face a minimum mandatory sentence of 27 years in federal prison, with the possibility of a life sentence. However, a specific sentencing date has not been determined yet.
