U.S. Attorney’s Office Charge Cocoa Man in Armed Robbery and Shooting at Tampa Nightclub

Could face a minimum of 10 years in federal prison, with a maximum possible sentence of life

TAMPA, FLORIDA – Federal authorities have charged 21-year-old Phillip Johnson of Cocoa in connection with a violent robbery at a Tampa nightclub.

Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced that Johnson faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery under the Hobbs Act, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.

If convicted, he could face a minimum of 10 years in federal prison, with a maximum possible sentence of life.

According to the criminal complaint, Johnson and two accomplices traveled from Brevard County to Tampa on February 1, 2025, intending to commit a robbery.

Dressed in black clothing and ski masks and armed with rifles and handguns, the trio entered Dreams Club near Ybor City. Inside, they allegedly demanded money from a victim, at which point Johnson is accused of shooting the individual in the face.

Authorities emphasize that a criminal complaint is a formal charge, and Johnson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The investigation is being conducted by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with support from multiple agencies, including the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Cocoa Police Department, and the State Attorney’s Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diego F. Novaes is leading the prosecution.

Further details are expected as the case progresses.

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