NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Robert Bowles, 30, was sentenced to 300 months in prison for violent crime and drug offenses.
Bowles’ sentence will run consecutive to a 120 month sentence on an earlier federal firearms conviction.
Bowles pleaded guilty on November 16, 2015.
Court documents say Bowles was a member of the Newport News gang “Thug Relations,” which distributed marijuana and crack cocaine.
The gang established dominance over the drug trade in Newport News through violence and intimidation, including physical assaults, home invasions, and numerous shootings, some of which ended in murders.
He admitted to threatening Aaron Sumler because Sumler and a friend were selling cocaine in the area near Aqueduct Apartments, which was a part of Thug Relations’ territory. Bowles became involved in Aaron Sumler’s murder after Sumler ignored his threats.
Bowles was involved in the home invasion robbery of a rival drug dealer. One of the victims was hit in the head with a gun. He also participated in three separate shootings of rival gang members, causing each victim serious injuries.
Bowles’ sentence will run consecutive with a 120 month sentence for a previous firearms conviction.
Douglas Ashby, another member of the Newport News street gang “Thug Relations,” was sentenced to 412 months in prisonfor a racketeering conspiracy. He admitted involvement in the murder of Aaron Sumler.
