Herbert Young III, Armed Robbery, Virginia 2020

Armed Robbery Rocks Farmville Auto Dealership

A chilling armed robbery shook the quiet streets of Farmville, Virginia, on July 16, 2020. Herbert Young III, a 54-year-old New York man, pleaded guilty to committing the heinous crime.

Young’s brutal actions took place at Auto Connection, a local auto dealership. Court documents reveal that during the robbery, Young physically restrained the victim-owner using an electrical extension cord and a phone charging cord. When a customer entered the store, the victim attempted to free himself and flee but was struck in the calf area of his right leg after being shot by Young.

The perpetrator then stole a 2000 BMW, which belonged to the Auto Connection, and fled the scene with the victim’s cell phone and other property.

Young’s guilty plea sets the stage for his sentencing on January 5, 2023. He faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison for the robbery and a consecutive mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment for the discharge of the firearm.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth R. Simon, Jr. and Michael R. Gill will prosecute the case. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, made the announcement after Senior United States District Judge Henry E. Hudson accepted the plea.

Young’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of armed robbery and the importance of law enforcement’s tireless efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-77.

Related Federal Cases