NORFOLK — Court documents say a highly organized crew using encrypted communications robbed three area grocery stores earlier this year.
According to court documents, the crew used lookouts, earpieces and police scanner apps to coordinate maneuvers in the string of robberies in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach between late September and early October. Last week, nine people were indicted on related federal charges.
Court documents say each robbery included inside and outside lookouts, getaway drivers and two gunmen. The gunmen would find a manager and demand the store’s safe be opened.
One employee was shot during the Oct. 3 robbery at a Virginia Beach Harris Teeter. The employee survived.
The defendants are between the ages of 18 and 29. All nine were charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce and other counts:
- Cato M. Battle, 18, Virginia Beach: Two counts of robbery; Two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence
- Willey E. Brooks, Jr., aka “Wally”, 26, Chesapeake: Two counts of robbery; Two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence
- Devonta Doyle, aka “Vontay”, 22, Virginia Beach: Three counts of robbery; Three counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence; Felon in possession of a firearm
- Darrius A. Heuser-Whitaker, 19, Virginia Beach: Two counts of robbery; Two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence
- Monica Perkins, 29, Norfolk: Robbery
- Brennan K. Smith, aka “Dub”, 22, Virginia Beach: Robbery; Using a firearm during a crime of violence
- Brandon C. Tisdale, aka “Dot, GM”, 20, Virginia Beach: Three counts of robbery; Three counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence
- Trevor L. Tisdale, aka “T”, 24, Virginia Beach: Two counts of robbery; Two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence
- Keonte K. Yorkshire, aka “Tae”, 21, Virginia Beach: Three counts of robbery; Three counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence
