TAMPA — Nineteen individuals tied to two separate investigations in Tampa and Lakeland have been federally indicted on charges including gang violence, identity fraud, and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe.
The probe began in 2020 following a wave of shootings between two rival gangs in the Tampa Bay Area: the “Robles Park” crew and the “Glock Boys.” The conflict escalated with a series of violent retaliations — the first shooting on July 19 wounded eight outside the Truth Lounge nightclub. Subsequent attacks occurred on July 25 near the International Mall, July 27 by Robles Park, and again on August 6 near Hillsborough High School. Some shootings took place in daylight, endangering innocent bystanders.
Investigators connected 45-caliber shell casings from multiple scenes to the “Glock Boys,” who now face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, racketeering, attempted murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Beyond violence, the “Glock Boys” orchestrated a sprawling identity fraud scheme defrauding state and federal governments of nearly $2.9 million. Using stolen identities, they filed false unemployment and financial claims nationwide over several years.
“These are highly organized, intelligent criminals,” Kehoe said, noting that four of the five Tampa suspects are currently imprisoned for other offenses.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw condemned the gang’s disruption of the community, describing them as “wreaking havoc.”
The indicted defendants include:
Greg Kendrick, aka “Cheese” – 94 claims totaling $517,000
Corey Davis, aka “Coe” – 47 claims totaling $51,000
Arius Johnson, aka “Streetz” – 215 claims exceeding $1 million
Damion Council, aka “Dane” – 22 claims totaling $49,000
Antonio Phillips, aka “Lil Glockie” – 254 claims totaling $1.36 million
All face possible life imprisonment. Kehoe vowed this is only the beginning of ongoing efforts to dismantle such criminal groups:
“If anyone thinks this is the end, it’s just the beginning.”
Meanwhile, a separate narcotics investigation in Lakeland led to 14 additional arrests. Authorities seized 400 grams of fentanyl, over 500 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy from stash houses and motels operating throughout Lakeland and Winter Haven.
Most Lakeland defendants have violent pasts, and some were armed at arrest. One suspect fled during arrest and crashed before being captured.
