Sylvester Lipscombe, Commercial Robbery, Virginia 2015

Newport News, VA – In a shocking display of brazen thievery, 48-year-old Sylvester Lipscombe pleaded guilty to five commercial robberies in Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News in 2015.

According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Lipscombe committed multiple robberies from Sept. 29 to Dec. 28, 2015, targeting unsuspecting businesses. The list of victims includes:

Burger King in Suffolk, Sept. 29, 2015

Krispy Kreme in Hampton, Oct. 18, 2015

Hampton Health Mart in Hampton, Dec. 1, 2015

CheckSmart in Hampton, Dec. 4, 2015

Metro PCS in Newport News, Dec. 23, 2015

Lipscombe was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 9, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each robbery when sentenced on February 3, 2017. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente and law enforcement officials from the ATF, Newport News Police, Hampton Police Division, and Suffolk Police made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence Leonard. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross is prosecuting the case.

The brazen robberies left a trail of destruction and fear in their wake. It’s a stark reminder of the harsh reality of crime in our communities.

The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to bring criminals to justice and keep our communities safe.

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