Man, 38, found guilty in Jimmy John's armed robbery

Convicted felon William Hetsler faces life in prison

Booking photo of William Hetsler and surveillance image from Jimmy John's restaurant

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 38-year-old man was found guilty of a July armed robbery at a Jacksonville Jimmy John's restaurant, the State Attorney's Office announced Thursday. 

William Maxwell Hetsler, 38, was convicted on charges of armed robbery and possession of a firearm of a convicted felon. 

Recommended Videos



Hetsler was wearing a mask and sunglasses when he walked into the Jimmy Johns restaurant on Beach Boulevard the evening of July 28, pulled a stolen gun on an employee and demanded cash from the register.

The employee and Hetsler were wrestling over the gun when another employee walked up and held a knife up to Hetsler’s throat. Surveillance video captured the struggle, during which Hetsler's mask and sunglasses fell off, police said.

RELATED: Armed man unmasked during Jimmy John's robbery

Hetsler then dropped the gun and took off. 

Prosecutors said Hetsler is a nine-time convicted felon. He now faces life in prison with a 10-year minimum mandatory.

Hetsler will be sentenced on Nov.  21.