A Norfolk man is now facing federal charges for a robbery that happened last fall in Virginia Beach.
On June 10, a federal grand jury indicted 25-year-old John Butler III in connection with a robbery that occurred on October 17, 2024, in the 600 block of Newtown Road. Butler is now facing three serious charges: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon (second offense), and robbery.
Federal agents and Norfolk police arrested Butler on June 30. According to law enforcement, the case was built through a joint investigation led by the Virginia Beach Police Department, working with federal and regional partners.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate emphasized the importance of the federal indictment:
“We will use every tool available, including having criminal charges adopted by our federal partners, to hold convicted felons accountable when they continue to defy state laws prohibiting them from possessing firearms,” he said.
Neudigate also pointed out that federal convictions often come with tougher sentences, and the department hopes that pursuing these charges will send a clear message.
“Convicted felons in possession of firearms is a known precursor to shooting violence,” he said.
Butler’s prior convictions and the use of a firearm in the robbery put him on federal radar. If convicted, he’s looking at a much longer sentence than he might’ve faced under state charges alone.