Release Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 3:40 p.m.
Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced today that David Ray Smith, 30 years old, who previously resided in the 900 block of Delaware Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was sentenced today by Circuit Court Judge Frederick B. Lowe on charges of Armed Robbery (3 counts), Armed Robbery (Attempt) and Use of a Firearm (4 counts). Judge Lowe sentenced Smith to a total of 53 years in the Department of Corrections then suspended 23 years, leaving him 30 years to serve. Smith pleaded guilty on March 23, 2010.
Had this matter gone to trial, the Commonwealth’s evidence would have proved that in July 2009, Smith engaged in a spree of robberies throughout the City of Virginia Beach. On July 8, 2009, Smith entered a Zero’s Sub Shop, threatened the clerk with a gun, and robbed her of money from the cash register. On July 16, 2009, Smith entered Pizza Hut, displayed a gun, and ordered the manager to give him all the money in the drawer. As he left with the money, he replied, “Thank you for your cooperation.” On July 22, 2009, Smith returned to Zero’s Sub Shop and again displayed a gun and demanded cash. The clerk began screaming and ordered him out of the store without any money. On July 26, 2009, Smith robbed a clerk at Walgreen’s at gunpoint then fled the store with the money. All four victims identified Smith as the man who robbed their establishment. When interviewed by detectives with the Virginia Beach Police Department, Smith confessed to each of the robberies.
Smith’s prior record includes convictions in Norfolk Circuit Court for Armed Robbery (2 counts), Armed Robbery (Attempt), and Use of a Firearm (2 counts). He also has four (4) Reckless Driving convictions in Virginia Beach General District Court and a conviction for Driving with a Revoked License in Chesapeake General District Court.
The case was prosecuted by Associate Commonwealth’s Attorney Tabitha B. Anderson. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.
Similar Press Releases: armed robbery, felony, firearm charges, Harvey Bryant
