A federal judge has sentenced eight of 10 defendants in a scheme that targeted Navy Federal customers and their cell phones in parking lots, gas stations, and near gyms, resulting in more than $2 million in losses, according to a federal indictment.
Troy Davis, 26, was sentenced Tuesday to 30 months in federal prison for his role in what prosecutors call the parking lot scam — a scheme that has defrauded hundreds of victims in Hampton Roads.
A federal judge in Norfolk sentenced Davis after he apologized in court for preying on people who were trying to help him.
Stream our True Crime 757 podcast episode about the parking lot phone scam
Davis, a father of three who recently became employed while on bond, also apologized for the financial and mental pain he caused the victims.
His attorney said Davis has a greater understanding of the impact of his actions now that he is employed. Davis said he couldn't imagine people taking his money like what he did to others.
The judge said there were 18 victims and a loss of $90,000 connected just to Davis' actions.
Davis' mother, Joy Davis, was previously sentenced to 30 days for her involvement in the scheme. She declined to comment on the case after court. Another relative said the family's only comment was that they love Davis.
Watch related: Eight out of 10 defendants have pleaded guilty for their roles in "parking lot scam"
The scheme began in 2023. Prosecutors say the group targeted Navy Federal customers, and in many cases members of the military.
Members of the group would claim they needed help, gain access to a victim's phone, and quickly transfer money — many times taking out personal loans in the victim's name. Several victims have said they were forced to pay back those loans.
The indictment identified more than 33 victims in this case alone, but WTKR has uncovered similar cases in cities throughout the region.
Rodney Thornton received the longest sentence of any defendant at 42 months. Laterrance Parker Jr. and Jordan Pugh each received 38 months. Troy Davis received 30 months, followed by Jamaica Sumner at 21 months, Andrea Holley at 12 months and one day, Lois Staton at 6 months, and Joy Davis at 30 days. Steven Jones and Persia Brown have each pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Watch related: Navy Federal scam victim reaches settlement to get money back, lawyer says
Attorney Gary Byler took action for victims after seeing the WTKR investigation.
"It's the way that these individuals have been treated that they are out two, or three thousand dollars and it’s like, ‘oh well,’ too bad, so sad. It really does hurt my heart. It shakes my faith in the system if there is no recourse," Byler said.
Byler has secured four settlements so far and is filing additional lawsuits.
Authorities and banking officials are warning the public not to let anyone use their phone.
The judge ordered that Davis begin serving his sentence immediately.
Watch related: True Crime 757 takes on the case of the parking lot scam
