Two Orlando Men Plead Guilty To Robbing Publix Supermarkets

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Cecil Dante Buckner (36) and Jarmen Lindell Sharp (34), both of Orlando, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, and two substantive counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery. Buckner also pleaded guilty to two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robberies. Sharp faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. Buckner faces a minimum penalty of 32 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, beginning no later than February 28, 2014, and continuing through on or about April 23, 2014, Buckner, Sharp and another individual conspired to rob Publix supermarkets in Orange and Volusia Counties. Specifically, on February 28, 2014, the two and their co-conspirator robbed the Publix located at 2295 Aloma Avenue, in Winter Park; on March 16, 2014, robbed the Publix located at 7640 West Sand Lake Road, in Orlando; and on March 30, 2014, robbed the Publix located at 2410 South Woodland Boulevard, in DeLand. During each of the robberies, Buckner and a co-conspirator wore masks and gloves to conceal their identities. Buckner held store customers and employees at gunpoint at the front of the stores, while the co-conspirator forced store employees into the cashier room at gunpoint and stole cash. Sharp acted as the “lookout” during each of the robberies, waiting in the parking lot of the stores to alert Buckner and the co-conspirator in the event law enforcement arrived. In total, Buckner, Sharp, and their co-conspirator stole over $24,000 from Publix as a result of these robberies.

Additionally, on May 4, 2016, Buckner and another individual robbed the Publix supermarket located at 2515 Thonotosassa Road, in Plant City. During that robbery, Buckner held store customers and employees at gunpoint while the other individual forced a store employee into the cashier room, at gunpoint. As a result of this robbery, Buckner and the other individual stole over $18,000 from Publix.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, and the Deland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.