Porter Convicted of Armed Robbery in Va.

NORFOLK, Va. – In a gritty turn of justice, Janathian Porter, 27, of Franklin, has been convicted on Aug. 26 for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery. Known as Frankboy Nate, Nate, or Nate Dog, Porter also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition.

According to court records and trial evidence, Leondre Douglas, 26, arranged a drug deal with Porter on Oct. 28, 2024. During the transaction, Porter robbed the dealer at gunpoint, taking his firearm before fleeing with Douglas in separate vehicles.

On Nov. 1, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle linked to the robbery. Found underneath the driver seat was a stolen handgun, exacerbating Douglas’s criminal record as a previously convicted felon who cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Another incident occurred on Nov. 12 when Porter was caught rummaging through a victim’s car at his home. After noticing a stolen speaker and following Porter to a cul-de-sac, the victim was shot by Porter. Shell casings from the scene matched a caliber of a firearm reported stolen that evening.

Porter’s record is extensive, including convictions for breaking and entering, grand larceny, buying/receiving stolen goods, eluding/endangering police, and numerous probation violations and hit-and-run incidents. As a convicted felon, Porter cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Both Porter and Douglas face up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on Jan. 30, 2026. Sentencing will be determined by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors after consideration by a federal district court judge. The Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office and Franklin Police Department played pivotal roles in the investigation.

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