RICHMOND, Va. — Two men who police say targeted Hispanic immigrants in a series of violent robberies and carjackings in Richmond have been convicted and sentenced to prison.
William Simmons, 23, and Faiz Black, 21, were behind multiple crimes in the Southwood community on Richmond's south side in April 2024.
"Carjackings, stolen vehicles - they also committed an aggravated assault when they pistol-whipped a victim that require stitches after the robbery," Detective Sgt. Bill Travers said.
The targets were normally members of the Hispanic community who were leaving for work in the mornings, though police say there were some brazen, broad daylight attacks as well.
Video technology called Flock cameras, which include automatic license plate recognition, played a crucial role in the investigation, according to officers.
"Through a series of Flock hits and video surveillance, we were able to... identify two individuals after they were placed in a lineup. Some of the victims were able to identify the suspects," Traverse explained.
Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin said the convictions wouldn't have been possible without cameras, a community willing to work with police, and hard evidence.
"Our message to any victim of crime is: report the crime. We are here to support you," McEachin said. "We are not going to help ICE or any other criminal investigative agency do anything to you. We are here to support you and help you."
McEachin emphasized that she wants the Hispanic community in Richmond to know there isn't an ulterior motive.
"What my office does a lot of times is work with the U-Visa program, which protects undocumented residents of the City of Richmond when they are working with law enforcement and helping convict violent criminals," she said.
Simmons pleaded guilty and will serve 15 years. Black was convicted at trial and sentenced to 28 years in prison.
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