NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A Newport News man will spend more than 12 years in federal prison for an armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Curtis A. Robertson, 39, was sentenced to 12 years and three months in prison in connection with a Newport News bank robbery in October 2025.
According to court documents, Robertson entered a Newport News bank on Oct. 29, 2025, carrying a newspaper and waited in the teller line.
When he reached the teller window, Robertson placed the newspaper on the counter, partially concealing a firearm. The barrel remained visible and was pointed toward the teller, court documents state.
Robertson then handed the teller a note demanding money. The teller complied, and Robertson fled with the stolen cash, leaving the note behind.
Investigators said Robertson tried to get rid of some of the clothing and other items connected to the robbery. He discarded the newspaper and the hoodie he had been wearing in nearby dumpsters.
Less than a week later, on Nov. 4, Robertson entered another Newport News bank, waited in line and handed a teller another note demanding money, according to court documents.
Authorities received several reports of a suspicious person running through backyards following that incident. A witness later identified Robertson using surveillance photographs.
Robertson was arrested on Nov. 6, 2025.
The case resulted in Robertson’s conviction for bank robbery with a dangerous weapon and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. His sentence totals 12 years and three months in federal prison.