Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Tampa Area Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Series of Convenience Store Robberies
Tampa, FL – U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Christopher Alvarez (19, Tampa) and Dyonnie Alvarez (22, Tampa) have pleaded guilty to four robberies, conspiracy to commit those robberies, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Each faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each robbery count and the conspiracy count. For each of the firearm counts, the minimum mandatory penalty is 7 years, up to life, in federal prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence. Dyonnie Alvarez also pleaded guilty to an additional attempted robbery for which she faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Sentencing dates have not yet been set. A co-defendant, Enrique Marquez, previously pleaded guilty and his sentencing hearing is set for March 2023.
According to court documents, on May 1, 2022, Dyonnie Alvarez and Marquez attempted to rob an individual in an attempt to obtain narcotics. On May 5, 2022, Christopher Alvarez, Dyonnie Alvarez, and Marquez robbed two convenience stores in the Tampa area. During the robberies, Marquez brandished a firearm. The next morning, the three individuals robbed two more Tampa area convenience stores in the same manner.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.
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.