Florida
Florida Man Pleads Guilty in Gainesville Convenience Store Robbery Case
Gainesville, Florida – Denzel Dyshaun Flagg, 27, of Gainesville, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
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Key points
- Denzel Dyshaun Flagg pleaded guilty in federal court to Hobbs Act robbery.
- Flagg admitted to acting as the getaway driver during the February 18, 2025, armed robbery.
- He faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for November 3, 2026.
NewsWK — Federal prosecutors in the Northern District of Florida secured a guilty plea this week in a violent business holdup. The conviction also highlights ongoing federal efforts to combat armed crime across the region.
What led to the conviction in the Northern District of Florida Federal Court?
Denzel Dyshaun Flagg, 27, of Gainesville, pleaded guilty on Friday, October 9, 2026, to Hobbs Act robbery Gainesville Florida. U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin announced the federal plea. Specifically, Flagg admitted to his role as the getaway driver during a February 2025 heist. Consequently, he now faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
What happened during the Eastside Food Store robbery Gainesville?
On February 18, 2025, two other individuals wearing ski masks entered the Eastside Food Store in Gainesville, Florida. One individual pointed a gun directly at the store clerk’s face before stealing cash from the register. Meanwhile, Flagg participated by acting as the getaway driver. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office jointly investigated the incident.
When will the sentencing take place?
Chief U.S. District Judge Allen C. Winsor will sentence Flagg on November 3, 2026, at the U.S. Courthouse in Gainesville. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Hapner and James McCain are prosecuting the case. Furthermore, officials brought these charges under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The federal prosecution involves several key details:
- Defendant: Denzel Dyshaun Flagg, 27, of Gainesville, Florida.
- Maximum Penalty: Up to 20 years in federal prison.
- Sentencing Date: November 3, 2026, before Chief Judge Winsor.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Related: Tallahassee Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Robbery Charges in Northern District Court
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