Kentucky Man Pleads Guilty To Eleven Robberies In Georgia And Florida

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Chad Michael Merida (23, Heidrick, Kentucky) today pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, between November 15, 2014, and November 24, 2014, Merida robbed two commercial businesses in Georgia and eight commercial businesses and one bank in Florida. After the final robbery, a PNC Bank on Westshore Boulevard in Tampa, Merida was tracked to his home at the Element Luxury Apartments in downtown Tampa. He ultimately confessed to committing all 11 robberies.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.