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Charlotte man convicted of robbing Ballantyne business at gunpoint

CHARLOTTE — A federal jury convicted a Charlotte man of robbing a Ballantyne metals exchange business at gunpoint, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina announced on Monday.

Valentino Cabral Darosa, 29, was convicted of robbery of a business affecting interstate commerce, as well as carrying a firearm during a crime of violence and possession of a firearm by a felon.

On Oct. 23, 2020, Darosa tried to enter Atlantic Metals Xchange on N. Community House Road before it opened, court documents said. When the store owner approached Darosa outside, Darosa showed a gun and forced the owner into the back room of the business.

He made the owner unplug the surveillance system, then handcuffed the man, bound his hands and ankles with duct tape and ransacked the safe, according to the attorney’s office.

He also took the shop owner’s personal items, which included a gun, cash and the victim’s wallet.

Investigators said Darosa took approximately $133,980 in property, cash and the surveillance system hard drive.

After Darosa left the scene, the shop owner was able to free himself and call police.

Police arrested Darosa at his apartment two weeks later. During a search of his property, police recovered several items stolen from the business.

At the time of the robbery, Darosa was under post-release supervision and was not allowed to possess a firearm. He has multiple felony convictions in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties.

Darosa remains in federal custody. A sentencing date has not been set.

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