Mother and Brother Arrested in Upper Keys Rideshare Robbery Cover-Up

San Remo Drive, Monroe County, Florida, USA - In the picturesque Upper Keys, a troubling tale has unfolded that shines a light on the darker side of crime and complicity in Florida. An ongoing investigation into a rideshare robbery has led authorities to arrest two individuals, bringing to the forefront serious charges related to the destruction of evidence and complicity in crime.

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, Mary Elizabeth Houston, 46, and her son Jacob James True, 21, were taken into custody. They are both accused of tampering with evidence and being accessories after the fact in connection with a robbery that took place earlier this month. According to TampaFP, Mary and Jacob allegedly assisted 22-year-old Payton Riley Roth in disposing of critical evidence tied to the robbery.

The saga began on June 1, 2025, when Roth reportedly held a rideshare driver at gunpoint, snatching up a $300 watch with a 9mm handgun. The situation escalated quickly, but thankfully, no serious injuries were reported during the incident. Payton Riley Roth remains incarcerated, facing grave charges, including robbery with a firearm and theft.

Allegations of Evidence Tampering

This case takes a twist with the actions of Houston and True, who are believed to have aided Roth by throwing the handgun and its loaded magazine into a canal off San Remo Drive. Such actions, if proven true, could lead to substantial legal consequences for both mother and son. The Monroe County Sheriff has been vocal in condemning their actions, emphasizing that the destruction of evidence simply cannot be tolerated in any context.

In legal terms, being an accessory after the fact is a serious designation. According to Justia, an accessory after the fact is someone who knows or has reasonable grounds to believe that a felony has been committed and subsequently acts to hinder the offender’s arrest or trial. This includes harboring the offender, concealing evidence, or helping them escape. Houston and True’s alleged actions fit the criteria well, as they reportedly sought to dispose of the firearm used in the crime.

Legal Implications and Consequences

Engaging in such activities isn’t merely frowned upon; it can also lead to serious charges. As detailed by LegalMatch, being an accessory after the fact can be classified as a Class E felony. The legal repercussions include significant penalties, potentially resulting in fines, probation, or even jail time, particularly if the initial crime is a felony.

The community is left to wonder about the long-term consequences of such actions. A felony conviction can lead to the loss of civil rights, difficulties in securing employment, and a host of other challenges that can linger long after the legal dust has settled. For Houston and True, the ramifications of their decisions will likely extend far beyond this immediate case.

As this investigation continues, it raises crucial questions about the motivations behind aiding a felon and the standards of accountability we uphold. It’s an intricate web that reveals just how intertwined the fates of offenders and their accomplices can become. For now, residents of the Upper Keys will be watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold, eager to see justice served in this troubling affair.