Ocala Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison For Armed Robbery Of A Convenience Store

Ocala, FL – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Johnisaac Felix (23, Ocala) to 10 years in federal prison for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The court also ordered Felix to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offenses. Felix pleaded guilty on February 25, 2025.

According to court documents, at approximately 12:10 p.m. on July 16, 2024, Felix robbed a convenience store on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala. During the robbery, Felix pointed a loaded firearm at the store’s clerk and demanded money. The clerk gave Felix access to the cash register and handed him a stack of trackable bait bills. Officers with the Ocala Police Department soon located Felix, who attempted to run. After apprehending Felix, the officers discovered more than $700 in cash, the bait bills, and the loaded firearm in his possession.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ocala Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.