Gordonsville Man Pleads Guilty in Series of 2020 Summertime Armed Robberies of Local Businesses

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - A Gordonsville, Virginia man pleaded guilty today to federal Hobbs Act robbery charges in connection to a series of armed robberies that took place at commercial businesses in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and Stafford County.

According to court documents, Dominique Dejone Thurston, 23, committed a series of armed Hobbs Act robberies at commercial businesses in Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and Stafford County. These robberies included the Oak Hill Market in Albemarle County, the 7-Eleven on Ivy Road in the City of Charlottesville, a BP gas station convenience store in the City of Charlottesville, the 7-Eleven on Greenbrier Drive in Albemarle County, a Kangaroo Gas station in Albemarle County, a 7 Day Junior Store in the City of Charlottesville, and the 7-Eleven on Boulderview Road in Albemarle County. During each robbery, Thurston brandished a firearm while pointing it at a store employee and demanding cash.

"This case serves as a perfect example of when federal, state, and local law enforcement work together to help address violent crime. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting the most violent offenders in our communities," United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today.

"This investigation is a great example of law enforcement collaboration at its best. ATF is proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Albemarle County Police Department, the City of Charlottesville Police Department, and the Stafford County Police Department in addressing violent offenders and those that illegally possess firearms," ATF Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson said. "The ATF Washington Field Division will continue to stand alongside our partners to ensure our communities are protected against people that commit acts of violence."

Thurston pleaded guilty today to seven counts of Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of brandishing and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 31, 2022. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Albemarle County Police Department, the City of Charlottesville Police Department, the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Charlottesville, and the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Assistant United States Attorney Ronald M. Huber and Special Assistant United States Attorney Nina-Alice Antony with the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Charlottesville are prosecuting the case for the United States.