Brothers charged in 16 robberies

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Two brothers were indicted and charged by a federal grand jury for their role in a series of robberies during summer 2011.

If convicted, the men face a maximum of 20 years in prison for each of the robbery and conspiracy charges, plus 60 mandatory years on firearm charges.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said 21-year-old Laquan Draper and 20-year-old Angelo Draper, both of Portsmouth, started an eight-week robbery spree in July 2011.

The men hid their identities by tying shirts around their faces, and entered stores with firearms or replica firearms.

The brothers were arrested on Aug. 25, 2011 when a stolen vehicle they were driving crashed into a police vehicle. In addition, police uncovered a .22 caliber hand-gun in the vehicle, as well as forensic evidence connecting the men to several crime scenes..

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the men robbed 7-11 convenience stores, two McDonald', a Wendy's, an ABC Store and a Fast Auto Loans.