Wilmington Man Sentenced to Up to 10 Years for Drug and Robbery Charges

Tobias Van Cooley Jr. pleaded guilty to over a dozen offenses spanning four months in 2025.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 39-year-old Wilmington man, Tobias Van Cooley Jr., was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to more than a dozen charges, including common-law robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and drug distribution near a park. The charges stemmed from incidents that occurred over a four-month period in 2025.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing repeat offenders and drug-related crimes in the Wilmington area. The sentencing also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in deterring and rehabilitating individuals involved in violent and drug-related offenses.

The details

According to the District Attorney's office, on March 22, 2025, Cooley and three others robbed an acquaintance outside a 7-Eleven, with Cooley brandishing a firearm while a woman used a stun gun on the victim. The incident was captured on surveillance and a 911 call. On June 3, a search of Cooley's home turned up a handgun, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. After bonding out, Cooley was arrested again on June 13 and July 29 during traffic stops, where officers found drugs and paraphernalia on him and he attempted to flee on foot.

  • On March 22, 2025, Cooley and three others robbed an acquaintance outside a 7-Eleven.
  • On June 3, 2025, a search of Cooley's home turned up a handgun, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia.
  • On June 13, 2025, Cooley was arrested again during a traffic stop and found with drugs and paraphernalia.
  • On July 29, 2025, Cooley was arrested again during a traffic stop and found with drugs and paraphernalia.

The players

Tobias Van Cooley Jr.

A 39-year-old Wilmington man who was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to more than a dozen charges, including common-law robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and drug distribution near a park.

Jason W. Smith

The District Attorney whose office prosecuted the case against Tobias Van Cooley Jr.

Hannah Long

One of the co-defendants in the March 22, 2025 robbery case, whose case is still pending.

William Beck

One of the co-defendants in the March 22, 2025 robbery case, whose case is still pending.

Yuhanna McCallum

A man who was convicted in 2024 and is serving a prison sentence for a financial crime that Tobias Van Cooley Jr. was also involved in.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must hold repeat offenders accountable and ensure public safety in our community.”

— Jason W. Smith, District Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Tobias Van Cooley Jr. to be released on bail pending his sentencing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing repeat offenders and drug-related crimes in the Wilmington area, and raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in deterring and rehabilitating individuals involved in violent and drug-related offenses.