19-Year-Old Pleads Guilty to Robbery Series in Charlottesville

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – A chilling series of armed robberies and kidnappings terrorized Charlottesville when Kentavia Jones, 19, of Earlysville, Virginia, and his crew struck local pizza chains and convenience stores. Today, Jones faced the music as he pled guilty in federal court to a litany of firearms charges.

Jones, along with five others, was caught after a spree that left fear in its wake, committing violent acts at Papa John’s, Domino’s, and even a private residence. But it was Jones who took the lead, according to Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh.

The 19-year-old admitted to being part of multiple heists, including a brazen attack on a Papa John’s Pizza in Greene County where he and two others donned black masks and guns. They made off with cash and a cell phone from an employee. The spree didn’t end there; Jones’ guilty plea also covers an armed robbery at Domino’s Pizza on Towncenter Lane in Albemarle County.

But the story doesn’t just involve pizza chains. On July 7, 2016, Jones was accused of participating in a home invasion where he and two others threw a propane tank through a door, only to escalate their violence by striking a victim in the head and ultimately forcing him into his car. And it got worse – they also forced a second victim to join them as they robbed a Wells Fargo ATM.

Now, Jones stands to serve at least 30 years for his crimes. Sentencing is set for April 12, 2017, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia. This plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement in their pursuit of justice for the communities terrorized by this criminal ring.

Jones’ guilty plea underscores the severity of his actions and the community’s relief at having one of the gang members behind bars. His sentencing will no doubt send a chilling message to other would-be criminals that violence on Charlottesville streets won’t be tolerated.

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