Jesse Bray, 31 Armed Robberies, Virginia 2017

NORFOLK, Va. - A Norfolk man who participated in 31 armed robberies in Hampton Roads was sentenced today to 14 years in prison.

According to court documents, from August 2016 to January 2017, Jesse Bray, 22, participated in 31 armed robberies with two other co-conspirators, including convenience stores, gas stations, cash advance stores, and wireless phone stores. Bray and his co-conspirators would enter the various stores brandishing firearms, including in some instances a sawed-off shotgun, and demanding money.

The men stole approximately $10,000 during the robberies. The brazen crimes terrorized the community, leaving residents feeling vulnerable and fearful for their safety.

The investigation and prosecution of Bray's case was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Arron J. Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF's Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.

Assistant U.S. Attorney William D. Muhr prosecuted the case.

A copy of the 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:17-cr-51.

Jesse Bray, 22, of Norfolk, Virginia, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his role in 31 armed robberies that took place in Hampton Roads from August 2016 to January 2017. Bray participated in the robberies with two other co-conspirators, targeting convenience stores, gas stations, cash advance stores, and wireless phone stores. The men stole approximately $10,000 during the robberies.

The exact criminal charges brought against Bray include participating in 31 armed robberies. The city and state of the crimes are Norfolk, Virginia. The exact date of the crimes is from August 2016 to January 2017. The sentence or outcome of the case is 14 years in prison. The dollar amount stolen during the robberies is approximately $10,000.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/man-sentenced-14-years-31-armed-robberies