Leesburg Man Convicted in IHOP Bathroom Robbery

A Loudoun County jury this week sentenced a 30-year-old Leesburg man to 10 years in prison after he was convicted on charges related to a Dec. 17 bathroom robbery at IHOP.

Antonio O’Keith Dodson, 30, will have his final sentencing Aug. 6.

The conviction relates to an incident at the Leesburg IHOP restaurant that started with an argument. Dodson followed a customer into the men’s room, pinned him against a wall, struck him across the face and ordered the victim to turn over his valuables, according to the Loudoun Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. The victim, concerned for his safety, turned over a cell phone, a wallet, and car keys. Dodson left men’s room and returned to his table to finish his meal. Someone contacted the Leesburg Police and officers arrested Dodson without incident.

“After careful consideration of all the evidence, the jury held a violent repeat offender accountable,” said Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Angela Vernail in a press release. “The jury’s sentence recommendation adequately accounts for his prior criminal history.”

The defendant’s prior criminal history includes convictions for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, assault and battery, possession of a concealed weapon, possession of marijuana, and misdemeanor possession with intent to distribute marijuana, according to the release.

The case goes to final sentencing Aug. 6 in Circuit Court before the Hon. James H. Chamblin, who presided over the trial. Under Virginia law a judge may reduce, but not increase a jury’s recommended sentence.

Charges for possession of cocaine remain pending in Loudoun Circuit Court.