TAMPA, Fla. Donald Robert Smith, a 29-year-old Tampa man, was sentenced today to 24 years in federal prison for his involvement in three armed robberies. U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday handed down the sentence, which includes penalties for brandishing a firearm during one robbery and discharging a firearm during another.
According to court documents, Smith committed the robberies within a span of a few days in August 2022. The first two robberies involved him entering Tampa businesses and pointing a firearm at employees to demand money.
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In the third robbery, Smith approached an individual turning in their work truck and demanded their wallet before firing the weapon as he walked away.
During the investigation, a search warrant executed on Smith’s vehicle led to the discovery of a Taurus 9mm handgun by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The firearm was linked to the third robbery through a shell casing.
As part of his plea agreement, Smith agreed to forfeit the firearm used in the offenses.
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United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg expressed his satisfaction with the sentence, stating, “This significant sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s crimes and should serve as a deterrent to others who would consider engaging in such violent acts.”
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Tampa Police Department.
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