Federal Jury Finds Bradenton Man Guilty Of Armed Robbery And Firearm Charges

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury today found Troy Markeith Griffin (38, Bradenton) guilty of conspiring to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of an armed robbery. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 7, 2017.

Griffin was indicted on November 4, 2015, along with four co-conspirators, including his son and nephew. 

According to testimony presented at trial, Griffin and his co-conspirators, all of whom previously pleaded guilty, committed at least four armed robberies before they were apprehended. Three of the robberies occurred at bars in Manatee County, including the Oasis Bar, Bubbas Too, and the Three Oaks Bar. The fourth robbery occurred at the Twin Horse Saloon in Pinellas County, during which the defendants repeatedly held a firearm to the head of the bartender, and beat the patrons with a pool stick.  Following that robbery, Griffin led police on a high-speed chase for several miles in St. Petersburg before the officers disabled Griffin’s vehicle and, with canine assistance, ultimately apprehended all five individuals.

Troy Markeith Griffin, Jr., Tevin Jamar Marketh Major, Craig Demetrio Koonce, and Juwaan Roberts previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this case and are currently awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Natalie Adams and Carlton Gammons.