The FBI and the Sunrise Police Department announce the arrest of Zyheem Ian Smith, 20, of Orlando, Florida; Gedeon Joseph, 21, of Clermont, Florida; and Watverly Mortimer, 22, of West Park, Florida, for their alleged involvement in the armed robbery of the Yard House at the Sawgrass Mills Mall located at 2610 Sawgrass Mills Circle, Sunrise, Florida, on December 24, 2018.
Smith and Joseph were arrested this morning, February 12, 2019, without incident in Orlando, Florida, by special agents of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office and Mortimer was arrest this morning, February 12, 2019, without incident in West Park, Florida, by the Sunrise Police Department, the South Florida Violent Crime Task Force and the FBI.
Investigators believe that an employee of the Yard House, as detailed in the complaint, was involved in the robbery.
All three are in federal custody and charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery. Details about their initial appearances in federal court are forthcoming. The complaint detailing the charges is attached and can also be found in PACER under the Southern District of Florida.
“I want to commend the investigative efforts of Sunrise Police Department that lead to this successful arrest operation,” said Scott A. Rottman, assistant special agent in charge, FBI Miami. These officers deserve our thanks and respect for the dangerous work they do to keep our communities safe.”
The FBI and its South Florida Violent Crime Task Force are involved in this matter as part of an initiative to assist local law enforcement agencies in combating violent armed robberies.
The Sunrise Police Department, the South Florida Violent Crime Task Force, and the FBI continue their investigation.
No further information will be released at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call the FBI at (754) 703-2000 or Crimestoppers.
