Evergreen Reporter

A federal jury in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has convicted Bobbe Gene Taylor, 25, of obstructing, delaying, and affecting commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery) and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The verdict was delivered yesterday afternoon.

Taylor’s co-defendant, Walter Jay Johnson, 26, was found not guilty. Three other co-defendants—Kemareay Ki’sean Green, 25; Lerontez Sherod Hill, 39; and Jeremiah Hamlin, 40—all from Tulsa, pled guilty to conspiracy before the trial. Another co-defendant is still awaiting trial.

“During this trial, both victims, with the aid of a translator, courageously testified and described the horrible events that took place,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This verdict is a direct result of their cooperation and excellent police work.”

FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater stated: “The victims in this case were just trying to earn a living working for a contracted cleaning service when they were physically assaulted and robbed at gunpoint. Our community deserves to see that callous acts of violence will be met with serious consequences."

In August 2021, while investigating an unrelated case, the FBI executed a warrant on a home in Bixby. The renter returned home believing it had been burglarized and contacted the defendants. Upon discovering that the FBI had executed a search warrant at the home and that items had been removed by a third-party vendor believing it was abandoned, the renter asked the vendor's employees to return.

Both employees are Dominican nationals who testified at trial with the aid of a translator. They recounted being confronted by armed defendants after returning items to the home. One employee testified he was struck in the face twice, breaking his nose and orbital socket. The second employee attempted to take a gun from one defendant but failed due to physical strength disparity. Both described being held at gunpoint while their pockets and truck were searched.

The victims reported the incident immediately after being released. Further investigation revealed Taylor's involvement through surveillance footage showing him with Hill using one victim's stolen credit card.

Recorded interviews between law enforcement and Taylor as well as Johnson were presented during the trial. Taylor admitted knowing about the robbery but claimed he should have done more to prevent it. Johnson acknowledged pushing one victim and witnessing another assault.

Court documents reveal Green admitted conspiring with defendants to confront victims while carrying firearms—a substantial step foreseeing potential harm. Hill confessed to striking one victim and using his credit card without permission while agreeing to forfeit several firearms and ammunition.

Hamlin also admitted his role in conspiring against victims while armed—acknowledging escalating confrontation risks.

Taylor along with Green, Hill, and Hamlin will be sentenced separately at later dates.

The FBI and Jenks Police Department investigated this case under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through collaborative law enforcement efforts.