Court Sentences Tallahassee Man for Z Mart Robbery
A federal judge ordered Laquinton Harris to serve nine years in prison for a 2026 armed robbery.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Financial Crime
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A federal court has sentenced Laquinton Harris to 108 months in prison for the robbery of the Z Mart in Tallahassee. Harris was convicted of Hobbs Act Robbery and firearm-related offenses.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a federal prosecution following an investigation into an armed incident where a firearm was discharged inside the store. The court aims to address the serious nature of the robbery and illegal firearm possession.
The court sentenced Laquinton Harris to 108 months in prison, consisting of 24 months for robbery and firearm possession and 84 months for brandishing a firearm. He is also required to serve five years of supervised release and pay $547 in restitution.
The players
Laquinton Harris
The defendant was found guilty of Hobbs Act Robbery, brandishing a firearm, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
ATF
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the federal agency responsible for investigating the firearm offenses and executing the search warrant.
The details
Investigators matched a .22 caliber rifle found at the residence of Laquinton Harris to a shell casing discovered at the Z Mart. DNA evidence collected from clothing found in his home further linked the defendant to the crime scene.
Timeline
January 30, 2026: Masked gunman robbed the Z Mart convenience store.
April 2, 2026: ATF executed federal search warrant at defendant's residence.
October 29, 2026: Federal court announced sentencing for the defendant.
Legal Context
The sentencing of Laquinton Harris follows the standard federal prosecution pattern set by the Hobbs Act for robberies affecting commerce. Such cases in Tallahassee reflect ongoing efforts by federal authorities to utilize federal statutes for local violent crimes involving firearms.
This conviction and sentencing serve as a resolution to a violent incident at a local business, potentially increasing safety for residents in the immediate area. No further public safety advisories have been issued regarding the case.
The takeaway
This case highlights how forensic evidence, including DNA and ballistic testing, is critical to securing federal convictions. Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity to authorities to assist in the investigation of local crimes.
Further reading
Learn more about local enforcement efforts in the Financial Crime section.
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Do you believe strict federal prison sentences effectively deter violent crime in your community?
