Clearwater Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years for Role in Ellenton Armored Truck Robbery
Jorge Serrano Espinoza, 20, of Clearwater, has been sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison following his conviction for Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a violent armored truck heist. On June 9, 2023, Espinoza, alongside James Battle and Carlos Keanu Smith, tracked an armored truck from Pinellas County to a gas station in Ellenton, Florida. There, Battle and Smith, armed with pistols, forced the driver to the ground while Espinoza served as lookout. The trio stole over $150,000 before fleeing.
Toll records and surveillance footage confirmed the suspects followed the truck through multiple locations that morning. The investigation, led by the FBI and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, resulted in the arrests and convictions of all three men. Battle received a 10-year sentence, while Smith was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Kenneth prosecuted the case, with asset forfeiture managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Muench.