LAKELAND, Fla. — The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida said two people face federal charges in relation to the Lakeland shooting on Jan. 30.
In a Wednesday press conference, U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg said Nicholas Quinton Hanson and Marcus Dewonn Mobley, Jr. were charged in connection to the Lakeland shooting that injured 11 people. Hanson was charged with felon in possession of ammunition, and Mobley was charged with felon in possession of ammunition and a weapon.
“It’s by the grace of God that you don’t have 11 people dead. I believe two are recovering in the hospital,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Detectives say DNA was collected from shell casings at the crime scene and in the Nissan Altima that the shooters rode in. A 15-year-old boy, who was also inside the Altima is facing local charges.
“We have everyone identified that was in the vehicle at the time. We feel like there was certainly a possibility of as many as five people were in the vehicle at the time of the shooting. The victims range from the ages of 22-39,” said Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor.
Chief Taylor said Booker Green was charged with tampering with evidence. Alex Greene, who died during a police chase in Winter Haven last week, was found to be providing and modifying weapons.
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No one has been charged with pulling the trigger in the mass shooting.
Police believe the drive-by was gang-related and was ordered because drug money was owed.
Shortly following the mass shooting, ABC Action News spoke to neighbors worried about an uptick in gang-related activity in their community.
“They be there every day, you can see for yourself. If you’re driving, you see all of them sitting there. Selling marijuana,” said Miguel Joseph.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, there were 59 gang-related shootings last year. Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are now forming a gang task force focused on investigating and arresting groups in Polk County that engage in violence.
“Once we've identified those violent offenders, the task force will use every available statutory tool to dismantle violent groups here in Polk County,” said Handberg.
Lakeland Police are looking to speak to two persons of interest. Investigators have asked for the public's help locating Brent Johnson III and Marquez Green.
Watch the full press conference below.
If anyone knows their whereabouts, please contact Lakeland Police or Heartland CrimeStoppers at 1-800-226-8477.
