Authorities say a 23-year-old Ruskin woman has been charged with armed robbery following a violent encounter that began as a planned drug transaction, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman, identified as Sophia Monique Morris, was arrested during the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at a FedEx Ground distribution center in Palmetto, officials said.
The incident occurred on Nov. 23, 2025, when the victim, identified in the report as Farrior, agreed to meet Morris to sell marijuana. Investigators say Morris contacted Farrior by text earlier that evening and provided a meeting location at 8105 120th Avenue East in Parrish.
According to the affidavit, Farrior arrived around 9:30 p.m. and waited in his vehicle. He later saw Morris walking from the north side of a nearby residence at 8109 120th Avenue East. Morris entered the passenger seat, briefly exited, and returned shortly after.
While inside the vehicle, Morris reportedly texted on her phone while she and Farrior smoked marijuana. Minutes later, an unknown male approached the driver’s side window, brandished a silver semi-automatic handgun, and demanded Farrior hand over his belongings. Investigators say the armed suspect took Farrior’s phone, wallet, and marijuana while Morris went through his pockets.
A struggle ensued when Farrior tried to grab the firearm. Morris allegedly punched him multiple times, and a round was discharged in an unknown direction. Farrior drove forward during the altercation, at which point Morris exited the vehicle and the armed suspect jumped into the driver-side window frame. The struggle ended after Farrior struck a culvert and ditch near 82nd Street East, throwing the suspect from the vehicle.
Deputies later located a loaded silver magazine and a black Nike shoe along the suspects’ reported escape route. Investigators recovered Farrior’s phone and reviewed text messages showing Morris initiated contact to purchase marijuana.
Using the phone number from the messages, deputies linked it to Morris through law enforcement databases and Florida Highway Patrol records. A photographic lineup confirmed her involvement, with Farrior identifying her as the woman involved in the robbery.
Officials say Morris is accused of planning, facilitating, and participating in the robbery alongside the unidentified armed suspect. She has been charged with armed robbery under Florida Statute 812.13(2)(a). The investigation into the second suspect is ongoing.
On Dec. 12, a bond reduction hearing was held for Morris. She was granted a $100,000 bond with GPS monitoring and, as of this writing, remains in the Manatee County Jail. As with all criminal cases, Morris is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
SOPHIA MONIQUE MORRIS – 11/28/2025
