On December 20, 2021 a federal jury handed down a guilty verdict against Valentino Cabral Darosa, 29, for the armed robbery of a business and related firearms offenses in Charlotte, NC.
According to filed court documents, evidence introduced at trial and witness testimony, on October 23, 2020, officers responded to a robbery at Atlantic Metals Xchange, located at 11318 N. Community House Road in Charlotte.
Valentino approached the store and knocked on the door. When the store owner did not immediately answer, Valentino walked away. The store owner went outside and approached Valentino.
Following a short exchange, Valentino produced a firearm and forced the store owner into the business into a back room. As trial evidence established, Valentino ordered the victim to unplug the surveillance system’s recorder.
Valentino then handcuffed the victim and opened the safes. Valentino began stealing items from the safes and proceeded to duct tape the victim’s hands and ankles together.
Valentino took approximately $133,980 in property and cash; he also took the surveillance system hard drive. Valentino took the victim’s backpack, which contained a firearm, cash, and a wallet.
After Valentino fled the scene, the victim managed to free himself and call 911 for assistance.
On November 5, 2020, officers arrested Valentino at his apartment in Charlotte. During a search of Valentino’s apartment and vehicle, law enforcement recovered several items Valentino had stolen from the business.
Valentino 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.
Valentino’s trial was on December 20, 2021, the jury convicted him of robbery of a business affecting interstate commerce, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Valentino is currently in federal custody.
