Federal jury convicts Richmond area man for armed robbery of delivery driver (DOJ)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - A federal jury convicted Jayveon Christopher McCloud yesterday on charges of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, threats, and violence; interference with interstate commerce by robbery, threats, and violence; carjacking; and brandishing a firearm during of a crime of violence.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Oct. 22, 2025, McCloud and Takaree Alexander Fields, 22, of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, each wearing a mask and armed with a handgun, approached a food delivery driver in Newport News. McCloud and Fields pointed their firearms at the victim and ordered him to drop everything, empty his pockets, and remove his shoes. McCloud and Fields took the food the victim was attempting to deliver and the victim's shoes, money, and car key fob.

McCloud took the victim's car while Fields fled in a vehicle he had stolen from his mother.

After the victim reported the crime, Newport News Police observed the victim's vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. McCloud attempted to flee but crashed the victim's vehicle. McCloud was arrested after a brief foot pursuit. Fields was not apprehended that night.

The following day, Henrico County Police located Fields, who fled at a high rate of speed. He eventually crashed in a convenience store parking lot and attempted to flee on foot into a wooded area. Officers apprehended Fields nearby.

Fields pled guilty on Oct. 5 to interference with interstate commerce by robbery, threats, and violence and brandishing a firearm during of a crime of violence. He faces a mandatory minimum of seven years and up to life in prison when sentenced on Jan. 7, 2027.

McCloud faces a mandatory minimum of seven years and up to life in prison when sentenced on Jan. 20, 2027. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after the verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alyson C. Yates and Mack Coleman are prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department's commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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-34.