Three men have been charged with planning and executing armed robberies of U.S. Postal Service mail carriers across three cities in Hampton Roads, officials announced. The alleged criminal activity involved at least three men in their twenties along with other co-conspirators from April to July 2023. The postal carriers were targeted and forced to hand over their official U.S. Postal Service-issued “arrow” keys. The incidents reportedly took place in Norfolk, Hampton, and James City County.
The three individuals arrested are 20-year-old Ricky Damion Christopher Jones, Jr., from Virginia Beach; 23-year-old Samir As-sad Hurd of Chesapeake; and 22-year-old Manray Perry of Virginia Beach. Jones and Hurd were arrested on March 19, while Perry was detained the following day. The suspects face serious charges including conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, assault of a federal employee with a dangerous weapon, and stealing keys of the U.S. Postal Service.
Additional charges have been brought against Hurd and Jones, who are both accused of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Plus, Hurd is being charged with possession of a stolen firearm. The individuals are charged with serious federal offenses, demonstrating the severity of these crimes affecting postal carriers and potentially causing disruption to the mail service.
Two other co-conspirators involved in this operation had already pled guilty and are awaiting their sentencing. Da’Twan Watson pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery on December 13, 2023, and is due to be sentenced on April 18. On December 15, 2023, Jayden Stukes pleaded guilty to the same charge, and his sentencing is set for April 17.
Lastly, O’Sirus Ford entered a guilty plea on December 21, 2023, for charges of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and for using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, as well as for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Ford’s sentencing is scheduled for May 2.
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9 Comments
Do you think harsher penalties would deter future crimes like this?
Harsher penalties might make some think twice, but they wont address the root causes of crime. We need to focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and addressing social inequalities to truly make a difference. Lets not just punish, lets strive for real change.
Why are people still resorting to violent crimes in this day and age?
Because some individuals lack empathy, impulse control, or proper coping mechanisms. Its a complex issue that wont be solved overnight. Instead of judging, lets focus on understanding the root causes and working towards prevention and rehabilitation.
Do you think stricter penalties for crimes like this would deter others?
Why are people still robbing postal carriers in this day and age?
Because some people lack morals and empathy. Its unfortunate that there are individuals who resort to crime regardless of the time period. Lets hope law enforcement can catch these criminals quickly and bring them to justice.
Do you think stricter penalties would deter such crimes or just escalate violence further?
I cant believe the audacity of these criminals targeting postal carriers! Outrageous behavior.