Federal Judge Sentenced Winston-Salem Robber to 35 Years
Todd Albert Lawton received a lengthy prison term following his 2019 armed robbery of a convenience store.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Law Enforcement
A federal judge sentenced 43-year-old Todd Albert Lawton to 35 years in prison for a 2019 armed robbery in Winston-Salem. Lawton will also serve five years of post-release supervision following his incarceration.
Why it matters
The sentence reflects the severity of Lawton's federal convictions, which included both robbery and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime. This outcome concludes a legal process that began with his arrest in 2019 and a jury conviction in 2026.
Lawton received a 420-month sentence, comprised of 240 months for robbery and 180 months for brandishing a firearm. He remains subject to five years of post-release supervision following his term.
The players
Todd Albert Lawton
The convicted defendant is a 43-year-old with a criminal history dating to 2002 that includes prior convictions for robbery and assault on a federal officer.
Winston-Salem Police Department
This local law enforcement agency responded to the scene and apprehended the suspect shortly after the robbery occurred.
The details
On March 30, 2019, at 2:05 a.m., Lawton entered the Family Fare BP store at 1427 West First Street in Winston-Salem. He brandished a firearm at a customer and the cashier while demanding cash and access to the store safe before being apprehended by local police.
Timeline
Lawton's criminal record dates back to 2002.
The robbery occurred at the Family Fare BP on March 30, 2019.
A jury convicted Lawton of the charges in March 2026.
The judge issued the 35-year prison sentence on September 29, 2026.
Legal Context
This sentence reflects the strict application of the 180-month mandatory minimum for brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, which requires consecutive time to other charges. The outcome aligns with federal sentencing trends for repeat offenders who utilize weapons during the commission of crimes.
The conclusion of this case brings resolution to a 2019 incident at a local convenience store, ensuring a repeat offender is removed from the community. Residents and local business owners can view this as a closure of a public safety matter that occurred on West First Street.
The takeaway
Repeat offenders who utilize firearms during crimes face increasingly steep federal penalties under current sentencing guidelines. This case highlights how cumulative charges for robbery and weapon usage significantly extend total prison time.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Winston-Salem Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
