Lee couple charged in armed robbery spree at businesses in four counties

A Lee County duo has been charged in connection with five armed robberies and one attempted holdup at businesses near I-75 in mid-September around the region, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Taleah Williams, 21, of North Fort Myers, and Javion Ward, 21, of Fort Myers, have been charged with Hobbs Act robbery. The Hobbs Act prohibits actual or attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce.

Prosecutors say Williams came up with the plan to hold up stores in close proximity to I-75 and provided the vehicle and firearm. Then the week of Sept. 15, officials say Williams or Ward entered businesses armed with a firearm and demanded money from clerks in Hillsborough, Sumter, Manatee and Sarasota counties.