Two men sentenced to prison for armed robbery of a check-cashing business

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Two men have been sentenced to prison for the armed robbery of a check-cashing business in Chantilly.

According to court documents, on Nov. 18, 2023, Antonio Chester Lewis, 49, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, and Al Gibran Taylor, 42, of Reston, entered the store intending to rob it of its cash. Lewis had entered the store previously to survey it. Lewis was armed with a .223/5.56 mm caliber semi-automatic rifle, which he pointed at customers and ordered them to put their hands in the air. Taylor attempted to open a cashier booth, which contained the store's register and safe. When Taylor found the booth locked, Lewis identified the store's cashier, grabbed her by the neck, and brought her to the cashier booth. The cashier opened the booth, and Taylor removed a large amount of cash from the store's safe.

Lewis was arrested on March 26. That day, law enforcement conducted a search of Lewis' residence and recovered the rifle used during the robbery as well as a privately made firearm with no serial number, a shotgun, and ammunition. On April 4, law enforcement also searched Lewis' vehicle and recovered a handgun and additional ammunition.

On June 13, Lewis pled guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. Lewis was sentenced on Sept. 3 to 15 years and eight months in prison.

On June 21, Taylor pled guilty to use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Taylor was sentenced today to 25 years in prison.

Both Lewis and Taylor have multiple prior convictions. On Aug. 9, 1994, Lewis was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On May 30, 1997, he was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine while armed. On Oct. 20, 2005, Lewis was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base. As a previously convicted felon, Lewis cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

Taylor previously was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia on Dec. 21, 2006, of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence during which the firearm was discharged. On June 30, 2006, Taylor was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia of possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; David E. Geist, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after Taylor was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel K. Amzallag prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Cases No. 1:24-cr-139 and 1:24-cr-130.