Seven-time Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man pleaded guilty today to robbing a Wells Fargo Bank in Newport News.

According to court documents, on Nov. 18, 2016, Carl E. Knightor, 33, went into a Wells Fargo Bank in Newport News with his face covered and demanded money from a bank teller. After the teller gave Knightor money, he stated that it was not enough, and the teller handed him more money from a second drawer. Knightnor fled the bank with a total of $5,368 and got into a taxi. The money Knightnor stole contained a GPS tracker, and law enforcement tracked the signal. Knightor was apprehended minutes later in the back seat of a taxi with the money from the bank robbery.

Knightnor, who has seven prior felony convictions, including possession of a sawed off shotgun and grand larceny, pleaded guilty to bank robbery and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on February 26, 2018. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, and Michael C. Grinstead, Acting Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan M. Cowles is prosecuting 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-10.