NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Two local men and a third from Massachusetts have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a 2009 robbery and murder in Newport News.
According to the indictment that was unsealed today, Bryan Brown, 30, of Newport News, Mark Wallace, 36, of Williamsburg, and Joseph Benson, 35, of Dorchester, Mass., shot and killed Louis Joseph on March 13, 2009, in Newport News.
Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, if convicted. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Kenneth A. Blanco, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, made the announcement after the indictment was unsealed. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard J. Zlotnick and Lisa R. McKeel, and Trial Attorney Joseph K. Wheatley from the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-45.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
