Newport News bank robber sentenced to over 12 years in prison

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - A Newport News man was sentenced today to 12 years and three months in prison for bank robbery with a dangerous weapon and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to court documents, on or about Oct. 29, 2025, Curtis A. Robertson, 39, entered a bank in Newport News and waited in the teller line with a newspaper in his hands. When Robertson approached the teller window, he placed his newspaper, partially concealing a firearm, on the counter. The barrel of the firearm was visible to and pointed at the teller. Robertson passed the teller a note demanding money and the teller complied. Robertson then fled the bank with the stolen funds, leaving behind the note. Robertson discarded his newspaper and the hoodie he was wearing during the robbery into nearby dumpsters.

On Nov. 4, 2025, Robertson again entered a Newport News bank, waited in line, and passed a teller a note demanding money. A number of sightings were reported of a suspicious person running through backyards, and a witness identified Robertson from photo surveillance. Robertson was arrested on Nov. 6, 2025.

Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis. The Newport News Police Department assisted in the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District CourtLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 4:26-cr-17.