Richmond 7-Eleven Hitmen Face Decades Behind Bars

RICHMOND, VA – Richmond’s convenience stores weren’t so convenient for two men last summer. A federal grand jury yesterday slapped indictments on Antonio Lamont Jones, Jr., 19, of Chesterfield, and Derrick Orlando Ramsey, Jr., 27, of Petersburg, for a string of brazen armed robberies that terrorized local businesses.

The pair allegedly hit six locations between June 30 and August 10, 2016, all within the Richmond metropolitan area. The first target: a 7-Eleven at 5549 Belmont Road in Chesterfield on June 30th. They kept coming back for more, striking a Sunoco at 961 Temple Avenue in Colonial Heights and a 7-Eleven at 3301 Oaklawn Boulevard in Hopewell on July 11th – the same day. The spree continued with robberies at a 7-Eleven located at 12120 Harrowgate Road in Chesterfield (July 21st), another 7-Eleven at 121 Turner Road in Chesterfield (July 29th), and finally, a 7-Eleven at 10121 Chester Road in Chesterfield (August 10th).

Federal prosecutors aren’t playing around. Jones and Ramsey are each facing a hefty charge of conspiracy, six counts of robbery affecting commerce, and two counts of using a firearm during a crime. But the charges don’t stop there. Jones also stands accused of possession of a firearm while being a known drug user, adding another layer to his legal troubles. If convicted on all counts, Jones could see a maximum sentence of 162 years in prison, while Ramsey faces up to 152 years. Let’s be clear: these aren’t slap-on-the-wrist sentences.

“This indictment is a testament to the collaborative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies,” stated Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. John K. Lenkart, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling violent crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney S. David Schiller is leading the prosecution, and you can bet he’s building a rock-solid case.

The investigation wasn’t a solo act. The FBI Richmond Division spearheaded the effort, working closely with the Henrico County Police Division, the Chesterfield County Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was all part of the FBI Richmond Central Virginia Violent Crimes Task Force – a team dedicated to taking down the region’s most dangerous criminals. Forget lone wolves; this was a coordinated takedown.

Those wanting a deeper dive into the case can find the full press release on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia website. Court documents and case information are also available on the District Court website or through PACER, using Case No. 3:17-cr-61. While maximum sentences are rarely handed down, the potential for lengthy prison terms sends a clear message: armed robbery won’t be tolerated in Richmond. Expect a protracted legal battle, and Grimy Times will be there to cover every twist and turn.