Man Convicted at Trial of Burglarizing Downtown Norfolk Restaurant in 2024
NORFOLK, Va. — Larry Antonio Sutton Jr., 44, was convicted at trial in October of felony vandalism and burglary as well as misdemeanor larceny after he broke into a downtown restaurant last summer.
Around 10 a.m. on July 13, 2024, Mr. Sutton broke into a restaurant on Granby Street in Downtown Norfolk while it was closed for business. Security footage showed Mr. Sutton riding a bicycle to an alley next to the restaurant, climbing up the side of the building to the restaurant’s second-story patio, and breaking into a glass door upstairs. Inside, Mr. Sutton checked the drawers of the cash register and used a fire extinguisher in an unsuccessful attempt to break down the door to the manager’s office. A cleaning crew arrived and saw Mr. Sutton, and Mr. Sutton fled, taking some property with him. Overall, the damage Mr. Sutton had caused to the restaurant was calculated to cost $1,450.
On Oct. 28, Mr. Sutton pleaded not guilty to his charges of vandalism, burglary, and petit larceny and asked to be tried by a judge. After hearing the evidence and arguments by the Commonwealth and Mr. Sutton’s defense counsel, Judge Jamilah D. LeCruise found Mr. Sutton guilty as charged. Judge LeCruise set Mr. Sutton’s sentencing hearing on Jan. 9, 2026.
“Businesses, whether in Downtown Norfolk or in other parts of the city, are feeling the squeeze from higher prices and consumers who are worried about their jobs and health insurance,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “When someone adds to their pressure by breaking into their business, damaging their property, and stealing from them, it can make the difference between staying open and facing closure. We remain committed to supporting small businesses by to holding accountable the people who commit these crimes.”
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Wm. Joshua Holder is prosecuting Mr. Sutton’s case, and Norfolk Police Detective John A. Schraft Jr. led the investigation.
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