Richmond man sentenced to over 10 years in prison for armed robbery committed while on probation for previous firearms convictions

RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 10 years and 10 months in prison for robbery and using a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to court documents, on Oct. 13, 2022, Jarviontae Tykee McLaurine, 26, and two accomplices robbed a Dollar General store and people inside the store. Each of the robbers entered the store armed with a firearm and wearing a mask. One of the robbers ordered the clerk to open the register and get on the floor. Another robber ordered a customer to lie on the floor, and another customer was ordered to the front of the store at gunpoint.

The robbers held the store manager at gunpoint and ordered the manager to open the register. Two of the robbers then forced the manager and the clerk to accompany them to the back office where they attempted to gain access to more money. McLaurine and his accomplices then fled the store.

In June 2023, Mclaurine was convicted in Richmond Circuit Court of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In August 2023, Mclaurine was convicted in Hanover Circuit Court of making a false statement on a criminal history consent form and attempting to possess a firearm as a convicted felon. Two months later, Mclaurine was arrested again and on Feb. 1, 2024, was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Mclaurine was on supervised probation for two convictions when he robbed the Dollar General store.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division and the Richmond Police Department investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Anthony and Janet Jin Ah Lee prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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 Case Nos. 3:23-cr-164 and 3:25-cr-97.