TAMPA, Fla. – Brandale Swails, 29, Tampa, has been charged with Hobbs Act Robbery. If convicted, Swails faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the complaint, on October 15, 2023, Swails entered a gas station, pointed a firearm at the victim’s head, and demanded the victim open the cash register.
The victim immediately hid behind the counter. Swails jumped over the counter towards the victim while continuing to point the firearm at him.
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Swails told the victim he would shoot him if the victim did not open the register. Swails then took the cash and fled. Hours later, law enforcement officers found Swails driving a vehicle.
When officers attempted to pull him over, Swails fled. On October 31, 2023, Swails was arrested inside a home, hiding in a closet. Two loaded firearms were found in his possession.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
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