Sylvester Lipscombe, Commercial Robberies, Virginia 2015

A string of commercial robberies shook the Tidewater region in 2015, but one man’s reign of terror has finally come to an end. Sylvester Lipscombe, 49, of Newport News, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the robberies that took place in Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News.

Lipscombe pleaded guilty on September 22, 2016, for his crimes, which took place over a 90-day period from September 29 to December 28, 2015. During this time, he committed the following five robberies: Burger King in Suffolk on September 29, 2015; Krispy Kreme in Hampton on October 18, 2015; Hampton Health Mart in Hampton on December 1, 2015; Checksmart in Hampton on December 4, 2015; and Metro PCS in Newport News on December 23, 2015.

According to court documents, Lipscombe’s crimes caused significant financial losses for the victims. The total amount of restitution ordered by the court is $8,816.22. In addition to his prison sentence, Lipscombe was also ordered to pay the restitution amount.

Lipscombe’s sentencing was announced by Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; Richard W. Myers, Chief of Newport News Police; Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division; and Thomas E. Bennett, Chief of Suffolk Police.

U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen presided over the sentencing. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross prosecuted the case.

Lipscombe’s crimes had a significant impact on the local community, and his sentencing is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies in the region.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:16-cr-40.

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