Eight defendants have already been sentenced in a parking lot phone scam that prosecutors say targeted Navy Federal customers, but the federal case is not finished yet.
Two more defendants still have sentencing dates on the calendar. The Justice Department lists Persia Brown’s sentencing for July 23, 2026, and Steven Jones III’s sentencing for September 21, 2026, in federal court in Norfolk.
The case involved people approached in parking lots, gas stations, shopping areas, and near gyms. Prosecutors said victims were tricked or pressured into handing over unlocked phones, then left with transfers, withdrawals, or loans they never authorized.
WTKR reported that the scheme caused more than $2 million in losses and targeted Navy Federal Credit Union customers in Hampton Roads and elsewhere.
Two Sentencing Dates Are Still Ahead
A federal judge has sentenced eight of the 10 defendants in the case, according to WTKR.
Rodney Thornton received the longest sentence so far, at 42 months. Laterrance Parker Jr. and Jordan Pugh each received 38 months. Troy Davis received 30 months, Jamaica Sumner received 21 months, Andrea Holley received 12 months and one day, Lois Staton received six months, and Joy Davis received 30 days.
Brown and Jones have pleaded guilty and are still awaiting sentencing, WTKR reported. The Justice Department’s case page lists Brown’s sentencing for July 23 at 11 a.m. and Jones’ sentencing for September 21 at 2 p.m.
That keeps the case active even after the June sentencing batch. The next hearings will determine the punishment for the two remaining defendants.
The Scam Started With An Unlocked Phone
The federal indictment said the scheme began at least as early as January 2023. According to the Justice Department, the defendants and others targeted victims in publicly accessible places and convinced them through deceit or intimidation to hand over their mobile devices.
Once they had the phones, prosecutors said, they accessed financial apps including Navy Federal, Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App. The indictment said the group made unauthorized loan applications, transfers, withdrawals, financial disputes, and accessed victims’ personal identifying information.
Prosecutors Say Navy Federal Customers Were The Main Target
The Justice Department said the predominant scheme involved targeting military-age men who the group believed were likely Navy Federal account holders. In many cases, prosecutors said the group used the victim’s Navy Federal app to apply for a Personal Expense Consumer loan. After the loan was approved, the victim was allegedly deceived or intimidated into transferring the money.
WTKR reported that several victims said they were later forced to pay back loans they did not take out. The indictment identified more than 33 victims in this federal case alone. WTKR has also reported on similar cases across Hampton Roads.
One Defendant Apologized In Court
Troy Davis, 26, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his role in the scheme, WTKR reported. In court, Davis apologized for preying on people who were trying to help him and for the financial and mental harm he caused victims.
The judge said 18 victims and $90,000 in losses were connected to Davis’ actions, according to the station. Davis’ mother, Joy Davis, had previously been sentenced to 30 days for her involvement in the scheme.
Victims May Still Have A DOJ Form To File
The Justice Department says potential victims in the Thornton case can complete its victim form and email it to USAVAE.Parkinglotscam@usdoj.gov with the subject line “Parking Lot Scam.”
Attorney Gary Byler told WTKR he began helping victims after seeing the station’s investigation. He said victims were left out thousands of dollars and often felt they had no recourse.
Byler told the station he has secured four settlements so far and is filing additional lawsuits.
For anyone approached in a parking lot, gas station, gym, or shopping area, the safer answer is not to hand over an unlocked phone. If someone has a real emergency, make the call yourself on speaker and keep the device in your hand.