FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 27, 2012
Contact: James E. Plowman
Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
20 East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176-2809
(703) 777-0242
LEESBURG MAN CONVICTED OF ROBBERY
JURY RECOMMENDS TEN YEARS IN PRISON
LEESBURG, Virginia – July 25, 2012. After a full day of evidence and argument, a Loudoun County jury found Antonio O’Keith Dodson, 30, of Leesburg guilty of Robbery, a Felony under Virginia law. The jury fixed his punishment at ten years in prison.
In the early morning hours of December 17, 2011, a verbal altercation occurred between Dodson and several other customers at the Leesburg IHOP. Dodson followed one of the customers into the men’s room, where he pinned the victim against a wall, struck him across the face, and ordered him to turn over his valuables. In fear of his safety the victim complied with Dodson’s order and turned over his cell phone, wallet, and car keys. Dodson then exited the men’s room and returned to his table to finish his meal. Leesburg Police were summoned to the scene, and Dodson was arrested without incident.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Angela Vernail, who prosecuted the case, was pleased with the jury’s verdict. “After careful consideration of all the evidence, the jury held a violent repeat offender accountable,” said Vernail. “The jury’s sentence recommendation adequately accounts for his prior criminal history.” The defendant’s prior criminal history includes convictions for: Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, Assault and Battery, Possession of a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Marijuana, and Misdemeanor Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.
The case is currently set for August 6, 2012 in Circuit Court where a final sentencing hearing will be scheduled before the Hon. James H. Chamblin who presided over the trial. Under Virginia law a judge may reduce a jury sentence providing written reasons therefore, but may not increase a jury sentence.
Dodson has an additional charge for Possession of Cocaine pending in Loudoun County Circuit Court on August 9, 2012.
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