Federal Jury Convicts Charlotte Man Of Armed Robbery And Firearms Offenses

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury handed down a guilty verdict today against Valentino Cabral Darosa, 29, of Charlotte, for the armed robbery of a local business and related firearms offenses, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

According to filed court documents, evidence introduced at trial and witness testimony, on October 23, 2020, CMPD officers responded to a robbery service call at Atlantic Metals Xchange, located at 11318 N. Community House Road, in Charlotte. The store owner, identified in court documents as M.S., told officers at the scene that prior to opening for business an individual later identified as Darosa approached the store and knocked on the door. When M.S. did not immediately answer, Darosa walked away. M.S. went outside and approached Darosa. Following a short exchange, Darosa produced a firearm and forced M.S. into the business and into a back room. As trial evidence established, Darosa ordered M.S. to unplug the surveillance system’s recorder, then handcuffed M.S. and opened the safes. Darosa began stealing items from the safes and proceeded to duct-tape M.S.’s hands and ankles together. Darosa took approximately $133,980 in property and cash and the surveillance system hard drive. Darosa also took M.S.’s backpack, which contained a firearm, cash, and the victim’s wallet. After Darosa fled the scene, M.S. managed to free himself and call 911 for assistance. On November 5, 2020, CMPD officers arrested Darosa at his apartment in Charlotte. During a search of Darosa’s apartment and vehicle, law enforcement recovered several items Darosa had stolen from the business.

Court records show that Darosa was on post-release supervision when he committed the armed robbery. He also has multiple felony convictions in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Darosa was convicted of robbery of a business affecting interstate commerce, or Hobbs Act Robbery, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a felon. He is currently in federal custody. A sentencing date has not been set.

In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI and CMPD for their investigation of the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Hess and Dana Washington are in charge of the prosecution.