Grady Judd: Deadly robbery suspect back behind bars after charges temporarily dropped

DAVENPORT, Fla. – A suspect in a botched robbery that turned deadly outside a Davenport motel last year is back behind bars, according to law enforcement.

The Polk County The sheriff’s office said Robert Cruceta-Pimentel, 32, was arrested again on the same charges related to the December 2023 botched robbery that turned into a fatal self-defense shooting.

Investigators said this comes after all charges against him were temporarily dropped by the State Attorney’s Office.

Planned robbery turned into fatal shooting

Deputies said Cruceta-Pimentel was involved in the botched robbery that resulted in the death of Harold Omar Sepulveda-Cruz. It all happened in front of the Tropicana Resort Motel near I-4 and US 27 in Davenport.

READING: Grady Judd: Suspect who tried to rob Davenport man with fake gunshots, killed outside motel

Cruceta-Pimentel and Sepulveda-Cruz were charged with conspiring together to stage a robbery during a sale of marijuana in the suspect’s vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.

While the sale was taking place, Sepulveda-Cruz jumped into the back of the car and threatened the victim with a fake gun, which was made from a screwdriver and a piece of wood.

According to authorities, that’s when the victim pulled out a gun he was carrying and fired multiple shots into the back of the car, striking Sepulveda-Cruz and killing him.

Cruceta-Pimentel was accused of taking the fake gun and marijuana and throwing it over a fence at the motel.

Why were the charges dropped?

The suspect was initially arrested on 10 charges on December 20, 2023, after the shooting. Cruceta-Pimentel was behind bars at the Polk County Jail until he was released Sunday after the charges were dropped.

No information was immediately released about why charges were temporarily dropped in the case.

However, Cruceta-Pimentel’s attorney, Ralph Maiolino III with Smith and Eulo PLLC, released a statement about his client’s release that PCSO officials said “included false and exaggerated claims.”

Back behind bars

The sheriff’s office said they were able to quickly find a key witness, allowing prosecutors to refile charges against the suspect just three days after he was released.

“I would like to thank attorney Ralph R. Maiolino of the law firm of Smith & Eulo PLLC for bringing to my attention that the felony charge against his client, Mr. Cruceta, has been temporarily dropped,” said Sheriff Polk County, Grady Judd. Wednesday’s statement. “This allowed us to quickly locate a necessary witness, which allowed the State Attorney’s Office to re-file murder and other charges against his client. I thank the team of professionals at the State Prosecutor’s Office for their hard work in this case.”

Now that Cruceta-Pimentel is back in jail, PCSO said he faces several charges, including:

1. Second degree murder
2. Conspiracy to commit robbery
3. Possession of cannabis with intent to sell
4. Possession of heroin
5. Possession of drug paraphernalia
6. Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription
7. Maintaining a vehicle for the use and sale of drugs
8. Two counts of tampering with evidence
9. Providing false information to law enforcement
10. Illegal use of a two-way communication device

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