Man sentenced to over 2 years for string of Norfolk robberies
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A man has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison on Monday for robbing cashiers at two separate Norfolk stores.
According to officials, on June 29, 2023, 48-year-old Christopher Scott Painter entered the 7-Eleven on Colley Avenue and walked up to the store clerk claiming to have a gun. Painter then stole several dozen cigarette cartons from behind the counter before leaving the store.
Shortly afterwards, on July 15, Painter entered the same 7-Eleven and pushed the clerk out his way to take cartons of cigarettes. The clerk attempted to push Painter, leading to Painter pushing her back, taking more cigarette cartons.
Eventually, the clerk grabbed a crowbar, striking Painter on his back. Painter then left the store with the cigarettes he stole, according to court documents.
10 days later, on July 25, Painter entered the Dollar General on Tidewater Drive and asked the cashier to buy him a drink and a cigarette. Once the cashier refused, Painter left the store and returned shortly afterwards with a brick.
Painter proceeded to walk behind the counter and ordered the cashier to open the cigarette display.
Once the cashier said no, Painter attempted unsuccessfully to break the case by throwing the brick at it. Afterwards, Painter picked up two cigarette cartons from the floor and left the store.
Police were then able to identify Painter as the suspect in both robberies through surveillance footage from the Dollar General.
Painter entered an agreement to plead guilty to one count of robbery by threat when witnesses from two of the robberies failed to appear in court. Judge Everett A. Martin Jr. accepted Painter’s guilty plea, sentencing him to two years and six months in prison, followed by three years of post-release supervision.
“Thank you to the witnesses who came forward to hold Mr. Painter accountable,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi said. “When witnesses come to court, we can hold people accountable and help us protect the community from violence.”
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