2024 Newtown Road Robbery Suspect Indicted Federally

On June 10, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a direct indictment against John Butler III (M/25) of Norfolk, in connection with a robbery that occurred on Oct. 17, 2024, in the 600 block of Newtown Rd. in Virginia Beach.

The indictment includes the following charges:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Unlawful Carrying of a Concealed Weapon (second offense)
• Robbery

On June 30, 2025, Butler was arrested by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers from the Norfolk Police Department.  This case stems from a joint investigation led by the Virginia Beach Police Department, with assistance from federal and regional law enforcement partners.

“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,” said VBPD Police Chief Paul Neudigate. 

“As federal charges typically carry longer prisoner terms, we hope to send the message that we will seek the avenue that carries the strongest penalty possible as convicted felons in possession of firearms is a known precursor to shooting violence.”

(Note: The charges mentioned in this press release are accusations, and the arrested individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.)