Nijah Jahni Mitchell, 23, of Orlando, was convicted by a federal jury on various offenses linked to a series of armed robberies that occurred in convenience stores throughout Central Florida in March and April 2023. According to United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, Mitchell faces a lengthy prison sentence, with a minimum of 28 years and a maximum of life in prison.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Mitchell and his co-defendant Dany Telfort, 20, of Orlando, committed nine armed robberies over multiple nights. These acts were not single incidents but rather part of a larger pattern. The first involved four stores, the second three, and the final two. In each case, one of the men brandished a pistol, terrifying clerks into handing over the cash, making it evident that these were not petty thieves but serious felons intended to collect their plunder by fear and violence.
Despite the fear they caused, a breakthrough occurred after the second robbery spree, when a witness captured a partial license plate of their vehicle. On the night of the final robbery, law enforcement was alert and prepared to find the automobile. A high-stakes chase resulted in Mitchell’s arrest, but Telfort disappeared into the night. According to the evidence produced at trial, Mitchell was dressed in the same incriminating apparel and mask as he had worn during the final spree, and he was carrying a loaded Glock pistol.
Telfort’s flight was brief, as he had earlier pled guilty and had begun serving an 18-year federal term. The loaded Taurus revolver left behind in the truck provided DNA evidence linking Telfort and Mitchell to the crimes.
The judicial system has scheduled Mitchell’s sentencing hearing for August 26, marking the end of this chapter in a crime spree that has devastated Central Florida communities.
