Martial Arts Studio Owner who Sexually Abused Children Sentenced to Over 70 Years in Prison
[NEWPORT NEWS – AUGUST 4, 2023] The Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office announces the successful conviction and sentencing of Jeremy Allen Armstead, the former owner of Xtreme Dragon’s Black Belt Academy in Newport News. The case resulted in Mr. Armstead being found guilty on fourteen felony crimes committed against three children who were students at the martial arts academy he owned and operated.
Mr. Armstead’s arrest came in response to a series of disturbing sex offenses involving students at his martial arts academy. The charges leveled against him included four counts of abduction, five counts of rape, four counts of sodomy, one count of strangulation, and one count of indecent exposure. The victims, all juveniles, were students under the instruction and care of Mr. Armstead at Xtreme Dragon’s Black Belt Academy.
The convictions, entered on March 22, 2023, reflect the grave nature of Mr. Armstead’s actions and the profound impact they had on the lives of the young victims. On August 4, 2023, a sentencing hearing was presided over by Judge Gary Mills of the Newport News Circuit Court. Taking into account the severity of the crimes and the need to protect the community, Judge Mills sentenced Mr. Armstead to over 70 years of incarceration, followed by lifetime probation and sex offender registration.
“We are committed to safeguarding children, and to the pursuit of justice for victims of such heinous crimes. We are proud to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who commit crimes are held accountable. We thank the Newport News Police Department’s Special Victims Unit for their invaluable work on this case, and extend our heartfelt support to the victims and their families as they navigate the aftermath of these traumatic events.”
– Howard E. Gwynn, Commonwealth’s Attorney
The Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding justice and promoting public safety. We will continue to diligently prosecute cases, seeking justice for victims and holding offenders accountable.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Joshua Jenkins, on behalf of the Commonwealth.