FBI agents were searching last night for the second of two men accused of robbery and carjacking who were freed after their case languished in the city's criminal justice system for nearly two years.

Both are now accused of violating the Hobbs Act, which makes it a federal crime to obstruct or interfere with commerce that crosses state lines.

Agents were seeking Kevin Lewis Cox, 27, formerly of Lanham, after arresting Christopher Wills, 28, Friday evening at his Oxon Hill home. They had been accused in the 1996 robbery of a Northeast Baltimore supermarket and a subsequent string of crimes.

Although the cases were dismissed after court delays blocked a speedy trial, federal charges were brought last week because the supermarket engaged in interstate commerce.

Pub Date: 2/07/99