(Marion County, FL) On Friday, September 12, 2025, in the courtroom of Judge Timothy McCourt, a jury found 57-year-old Robert Leroy Connor II guilty of Robbery with a Weapon, two counts of False Imprisonment While Armed, and Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle. Connor remains in custody to await his sentencing hearing, pending a presentencing investigation. He faces a 30-year minimum mandatory sentence on his conviction.

The robbery occurred on June 12, 2023, at a residence in the Villages, Florida. The suspect, later identified as the defendant, rang the doorbell at the victim’s home, asking to have a water bottle refilled. Believing the man was in dire need of water due to his flushed appearance, the victim invited Connor into the residence while the second victim gave him a glass of water. Once inside, Connor then asked to use the phone to make a call, but when handed the phone, he did not use it.

At that time, the defendant demanded money from both victims. When the cash they provided was not enough, Connor began demanding more, eventually demanding both victims’ bank account information. At one point during his crime, Connor stood behind the first victim and pointed a gun to their head. He then proceeded to bind and tie both victims’ arms and hands.

After incapacitating both victims, Connor began entering different rooms of the home and rummaging through the victims’ belongings, to include a jewelry box. Connor then stole the keys to the victims’ vehicle and exited the residence door to the garage. It was at this time that one of the victims was able to reach the door to lock it, as well as the front door. Noticing this, Connor attempted to kick in the front door of the home before fleeing in the stolen vehicle.

The stolen car was later recovered, along with surveillance video of Connor exiting the vehicle where he abandoned it. The car and house were later swabbed for DNA evidence. Law enforcement found multiple traces of Connor’s DNA, leading to his apprehension.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Tucker O’Neill and Shanae Pickens.

Published on 09/15/2025.