Tampa Couple Pleads Guilty To Robbing Convenience Stores At Gunpoint

TAMPA, FL — A Tampa couple is facing up to 100 years each in federal prison after pleading guilty to committing a series of armed robberies.

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Christopher Alvarez, 19, and Dyonnie Alvarez, 22, have pleaded guilty to four robberies, conspiracy to commit those robberies and two counts of flashing a gun 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 seven 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 in prison. Sentencing dates have not yet been set. A co-defendant, Enrique Marquez, previously pleaded guilty and his sentencing hearing is set for March.

According to court documents, on May 1, Dyonnie Alvarez and Marquez attempted to rob a person and steal drugs. Then, on May 5, Christopher Alvarez, Dyonnie Alvarez and Marquez robbed two convenience stores in the Tampa area. During the robberies, Marquez wave a gun. The next morning, the trio robbed two more Tampa area convenience stores in the same manner.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.