Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney | Harvey Bryant

May 14, 2013: Citizens’ Police Academy Graduation

mpridgen — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:06:51 +0000

Harvey was the guest speaker at the graduation of the 35th session of the Virginia Beach Citizens’ Police Academy at the Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) on May 14th. In a special presentation by CPA Alumni Association’s President, Larry Smith, Harvey was awarded honorary membership in the Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association. Harvey and former Va Beach Chief of Police Jake Jacocks are the only people to ever be awarded such a membership. Harvey has addressed the Citizens’ Police Academy groups over 25 times among the years. He was honored to address the almost 30 graduates of this program last night and to receive such special recognition.

Commonwealth v. Shaniqua Jones; Jury Recommends Mother Serve 13 Years, 6 Months Years in Death, Neglect of Infant Son; Boyfriend Previously Convicted

mpridgen — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:39:31 +0000

Thursday, May 09, 2013 · 04:00 pm
Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced that Shaniqua Jones, 22 years old, previously residing in the 1300 block of Pine Cone Circle in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was found guilty by a jury of Second Degree Felony Murder and Child Abuse/Neglect. The jury recommended she serve 13 years and six (6) months in prison. Circuit Court Judge William R. O’Brien, who presided over the three-day jury trial, will formally sentence Jones on August 14, 2013.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on November 27, 2011, 19-month-old Kimauri Williams was brought to Virginia Beach General Hospital by his mother, Shaniqua Jones, and her live-in boyfriend, Alvin Gatewood. Despite the fact that Kimauri was not breathing and his body was limp, Gatewood and Jones parked their car, casually strolled into the hospital, and filled out paperwork. Neither Gatewood nor Kimauri’s mother yelled for help or indicated to the hospital staff that the baby needed emergency care. The first nurse to examine Kimauri immediately recognized that he was dead or dying and directed the couple to rush Kimauri to a treatment room. Kimauri was pronounced deceased at the hospital. He had severe bruising all over his body due to multiple beatings over multiple days. An autopsy revealed the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the abdomen with contributing head trauma.

Detectives with the Virginia Beach Police Department began investigating Kimauri’s death. Through the investigation, they learned that Alvin Gatewood had been responsible for the vast majority of Kimauri’s care in the days leading up to his death. In the hours leading up to his death, Kimauri was vomiting, crying, and could not stand up without being supported. Neither Alvin Gatewood nor Shaniqua Jones sought medical treatment for him during this time.

On March 14, 2013, Gatewood was found guilty by a jury of Second Degree Felony Murder and Child Abuse/Neglect. The jury recommended he serve 40 years in prison. Judge A. Bonwill Shockley, who presided over Gatewood’s jury trial, will formally sentence him on June 19, 2013.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Philip C. Hollowell and Associate Commonwealth’s Attorney Kristin L. Paulding prosecuted the case. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Bryant Appointed to DOD Sexual Assault Crimes Panel

mpridgen — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:49:29 +0000

Wednesday, May 08, 2013 · 03:45 pm
Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, was appointed Tuesday to the Department of Defense’s “Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel.” The announcement of appointees came yesterday from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. In announcing the formation of this panel, Hagel vowed that commanders will be held responsible for sexual assaults under the DOD’s new sexual assault prevention policy.

Of the nine appointees, Bryant is the only current civilian prosecutor. Others appointed include:
· Former Representative Elizabeth Holtzman
· James Houck, vice admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
· Judge Barbara Jones, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Ret.)
· David Lisak, Ph.D.
· Colleen McGuire, brigadier general, U.S. Army (Ret.)
· Melinda Dunn, brigadier general, U.S. Army (Ret.)
· Holly O’Grady Cook, colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.)
· Professor Elizabeth Hillman, Hastings Law School

The panel is a federal advisory committee that will conduct an independent review of the systems used to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate crimes involving adult sexual assault and related offenses under article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, in an effort to improve the effectiveness of those systems. Their first meeting will be no later than July 1, 2013. Bryant was appointed to the panel by the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator James Inhofe.

“The panel will consider some very challenging issues of great importance to the men and women of our armed forces and to the military justice system. I look forward to working with and learning from this very experienced panel,” Bryant said.

Please call Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Grand Jury Returns 132 Indictments: Four Indicted in Unrelated Murders

mpridgen — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:57:57 +0000

Monday, May 06, 2013 · 02:45 pm
Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced that a grand jury meeting in Virginia Beach Circuit Court today returned indictments against 116 individuals charging 244 separate offenses. Four (4) of those defendants were indicted for various murders in Virginia Beach:

Jamiel Douglas Graves, age 30, formerly of the 9300 block of Marlow Avenue in Norfolk, Virginia, was indicted for Capital Murder (Killing of More than One Person in a 3 Year Period), First Degree Murder, and Larceny of a Firearm. Graves is charged in the killing of the mother of his children, Mandi Myers, on November 26, 2012. His next court appearance will be June 18, 2013. Graves is also charged with murder in Norfolk.

Ryan Patrick Brown, age 36, formerly of the 1900 block of Charla Lee Lane in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was indicted for Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in the shooting death of Edward Chapple at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on December 8, 2012. The grand jury also indicted Brown for Aggravated Malicious Wounding, two (2) counts of Malicious Wounding, Robbery, and three (3) counts of Use of a Firearm in connection with a robbery and shooting at Chanello’s Pizza on December 4, 2012, as well as Grand Larceny in connection with a theft from Superior Pawn Shop on December 15, 2012. His next scheduled court appearance is June 12, 2013.

Ulysses Lee Keeling, age 36, formerly of the 2800 block of Elm Avenue in Portsmouth, Virginia, was indicted for First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, and Robbery. Keeling is charged in connection with the shooting death of Rafael Hernandez on December 27, 2012. He is scheduled for a jury trial on July 16, 2013.

Alonzo Eddie Phelps, age 34, formerly of Stapleford Way in Hampton, Virginia, was indicted by the grand jury for Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm. Phelps is charged in the shooting death of Divon Tyrek Beckwith-Hall at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on January 13, 2013. He is scheduled for trial on May 29, 2013.

The grand jury indicted ten (10) defendants for felony driving under the influence. Those individuals are:

Defendant Name	Last Known Address	Charges
Rebecca A. Arndt	2000 block Juanita Court Virginia Beach, VA 23456	DUI – 3^rd Conviction within 10 Years
Heather Jean Blevins	800 block 14^th Street Virginia Beach, VA 23451	DUI – 3^rd Conviction within 10 Years
Ronald Bertrom Bryan Jr.	700 block S. Lynnhaven Road Virginia Beach, VA 23452	DUI – 3^rd Conviction within 10 Years
Timothy Dennis Hilgers	4900 block Decoiter Court Virginia Beach, VA 23452	DUI – 3^rd Conviction within 10 Years
Arthur Benjamin Luke	200 block Windbrooke Lane Virginia Beach, VA 23462	DUI – 3^rd Conviction within 5 Years
Brent Cameron Macintyre Myers	5500 block Alson Drive Norfolk, VA 23508	DUI – 3^rd Conviction within 10 Years
Patrick McGinley O’Donnell	5400 block E. Verde Lane Phoenix, AZ 85018	DUI – 3^rd Conviction within 10 Years; License Revoked for DWI, Manslaughter, Maiming
Douglas James Orr	2700 block West Meadow Drive Chesapeake, VA 23321	DUI – 3^rd Conviction within 5 Years
Brandon Portland Parker	400 block Glendale Road Hampton, VA 23661	DUI – 4^th Conviction within 10 Years; Drive Vehicle after License Revoked for DWI, Manslaughter, Maiming and DUI Violation
Dennis R. Sims	3000 block Breslaw Court Virginia Beach, VA 23456	DUI – 3^rd Conviction within 10 Years

Ten (10) defendants were indicted for Petit Larceny – 3rd or Subsequent Offense. “Our criminal justice system is heavily impacted by repeat offenders,” Bryant said. “Repeat petty thefts are aggravating to citizens and merchants. Repeat drunk drivers are potentially lethal for everyone on the road.”

Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Commonwealth v. Terrell Antonio Pugh; 19-Year-Old Pleads Guilty, Receives 16 Years, for Murder at Recording Studio

mpridgen — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:36:42 +0000

Wednesday, May 01, 2013 · 03:30 pm
Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced today that Terrell Antonio Pugh, 19 years old, previously residing in Norfolk, Virginia, pled guilty today to Felony Second Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Distribute between ½ Pound and 5 Pounds of Marijuana, and Use of a Firearm. This plea and plea agreement were accepted by Circuit Court Judge Glenn R. Croshaw, and Pugh was formally sentenced to 33 years in the Department of Corrections with 17 years suspended, leaving 16 years to serve. Pugh must remain on good behavior for twenty (20) years after his release, will be on supervised probation for an indeterminate period of time, and must cooperate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in any further proceedings regarding this crime.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on April 22, 2012, Terrell Antonio Pugh, Dwayne Tyjuan Riley, and a third man went to a recording studio in the Pembroke Lakes area of Virginia Beach to buy marijuana. Once they arrived and met the drug dealer and the studio’s owner, an argument broke out about the quality of the marijuana. Pugh and the dealer both pulled out guns. Pugh fired six times, striking the victim four times, killing him. The victim also fired his weapon, striking the wall twice. Pugh, his accomplices, and the owner of the recording studio all fled. Once they left the area, the owner of the recording studio called police to report the slaying.

Dwayne Riley is scheduled for sentencing for Conspiracy to Distribute between ½ Pound and 5 Pounds of Marijuana on June 4, 2013. The third defendant is scheduled for trial on June 12, 2013.

The case was prosecuted by Associate Commonwealth’s Attorneys Michael D. Defricke and Wendy R. Alexander. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Commonwealth v. Tyquesha Hargrave; 19-Year-Old to Serve 4 Years for Home Invasion at Senior Citizen Complex

mpridgen — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:54:23 +0000

Tuesday, April 30, 2013 · 03:50 pm
Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced today that Tyquesha Angina Hargrave, age 19, formerly of the 400 block of Albemarle Drive in Chesapeake, Virginia was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge H. Thomas Padrick on charges of Statutory Burglary, Armed Robbery, Possession of a Sawed off Shotgun, and Conspiracy. Judge Padrick sentenced Hargrave to 65 years in prison with 40 years suspended, leaving 25 years to serve. Judge Padrick ordered 21 years of Hargrave’s sentence to run concurrent with a 45-year sentence for similar crimes committed in Chesapeake.

Hargrave pled guilty on December 19, 2012. Had this matter gone to trial, the Commonwealth’s evidence would have proven that on the evening of October 13, 2011, Tyquine Rahmer Lee, age 20, and Tyquesha Angina Hargrave committed a home invasion at the Victoria Place Apartments, which is a senior citizens complex. A 64-year-old woman was home alone when she heard a knock on her door and a plea for help. She looked out her peephole and saw a female lying on the ground, crying and begging for help. As she cracked open her door to help, Lee forced his way inside and pushed the victim to the ground. He pointed a gun at the victim and demanded her purse. Hargrave ransacked the home as Lee held the victim to the ground. Eventually they found about $100 cash. As Hargrave and Lee ran from the home, they threatened to come back and shoot the victim if she got up and called the police. Once the victim believed they were gone, she called 911 and provided a description of her assailants.

On October 24, 2011, Hargrave and Lee were involved in a police pursuit on unrelated crimes that occurred in Norfolk and Chesapeake. When apprehended and questioned by detectives with the Chesapeake Police Department, Hargrave confessed to the home invasion at the Victoria Place Apartments in Virginia Beach.

In December 2012, a jury in Virginia Beach Circuit Court found Tyquine Lee guilty of Statutory Burglary, Armed Robbery, Conspiracy, and two (2) counts of Use of a Firearm. The jury recommended a sentence of 34 years in prison. Circuit Court Judge Edward W. Hanson Jr., who presided over the trial, will formally sentence Lee on May 21, 2013. He is already serving 78 years for similar crimes committed in Norfolk and Chesapeake.

The case was prosecuted by Associate Commonwealth’s Attorney Tabitha B. Anderson. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Commonwealth v. Michael John Cardinal III; Sexual Assault of Child Draws 12-Year Prison Sentence

mpridgen — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:02:29 +0000

Monday, April 29, 2013 · 04:00 pm >Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced today that Michael John Cardinal III, 43 years old, of the 1200 block of Secretariat Run in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Edward H. Hanson Jr. for two (2) counts each of Aggravated Sexual Battery, Object Sexual Penetration, and Custodial Indecent Liberties. Judge Hanson sentenced Cardinal to 24 years in prison with 12 years suspended, leaving 12 years to serve.

Michael Cardinal was found guilty by Judge Hanson after a trial on August 22, 2012. The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that between the years of 2006 and 2009, Cardinal repeatedly sexually assaulted a young child known to him. The child disclosed the abuse, and detectives from the Virginia Beach Police Department began investigating the crimes. During the investigation, Cardinal admitted to the touching, apologized, and later asked when he was going to jail.

Cardinal has previous convictions for Obtaining Money by False Pretenses (Attempt) – 2 counts, Conspiracy, Forgery, and Disorderly Conduct.

Associate Commonwealth’s Attorney Kari A. Kopnicky prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Commonwealth v. Devinche Javon Albritton; Jury Recommends Life Plus 30 Years for Previously Convicted Rapist; Judge Imposes Sentence

mpridgen — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:59:49 +0000

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 · 05:50 pm
Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced today that Devinche Javon Albritton, 32 years old, was found guilty by a jury on charges of Rape and Abduction with the Intent to Defile. Circuit Court Judge Edward W. Hanson Jr. presided over the three-day trial. The jury recommended a sentence of life plus 30 years’ imprisonment.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. on September 6, 1999, a 17-year-old female was walking along Virginia Beach Boulevard on her way to work. Devinche Javon Albritton, a stranger, approached the woman and asked her for a cigarette. He then put a knife to her stomach, his arm around her shoulder, and forced her into a wooded area off the main road. He forced her to the ground and raped her at knifepoint. Afterwards, Albritton asked to see her photo ID. He read her address back to her and threatened to harm her if she told anyone about the attack. Albritton then forced her to walk with him for a short distance before leaving her.

The victim then walked to her workplace, where she believed she would be safe. She immediately reported the rape to her co-workers who contacted the police. Detectives investigated the case thoroughly but no suspect was identified until 2010 when evidence was sent to the state laboratory for retesting. The unknown suspect’s DNA recovered at the time of the attack was discovered to be a match to Devinche Javon Albritton in Virginia’s DNA Data Bank. Albritton was charged in November 2010 while serving an 18-year sentence for a separate rape and abduction that also occurred in 1999.

Albritton’s prior record includes charges of Rape, Abduction, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Forgery, Forgery of a Public Record, Grand Larceny, Credit Card Theft, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, and Driving while a Habitual Offender (2 counts).

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Thomas M. Murphy and Associate Commonwealth’s Attorney Sara R. Chandler prosecuted the case. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Commonwealth v. Jabril Jamal Holliday; Jury Finds Juvenile Guilty in Drug Related Murder

mpridgen — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:44:37 +0000

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 · 04:30 pm
Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced today that Jabril Jamal Holliday, 17 years old, formerly of the 1600 block of Diamond Springs Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was found guilty by a jury of First Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm, and Conspiracy. A presentence report was ordered, and Circuit Court Judge A. Bonwill Shockley, who presided over the three-day trial, will sentence Holliday on September 17, 2013. Holliday was a juvenile at the time of the offense, but was certified as an adult to the Circuit Court due to the serious nature of the charges. When juveniles are certified to the Circuit Court and elect to have a jury trial, the jury does not recommend the defendant’s sentence.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on the evening of June 3, 2011, 15-year-old Jabril Holliday and his teen friend wanted to buy some marijuana. They asked an adult acquaintance, Nahshon Brown, to drive them. Holliday also called 17-year-old Kody Scruton to help them arrange the drug deal. Scruton was picked up from his Norfolk home by Holliday and the other juvenile, with Brown driving. When they could not find any marijuana, Holliday decided they would rob a drug dealer. Brown provided a gun for Holliday to use in the robbery. Scuton was uncomfortable with this plan and decided he did not want to participate. Afraid Scruton was now a “snitch,” Holliday ordered Brown to drive to a civic center off Diamond Springs Road. Holliday then ordered Scruton out of the car and behind the building. He shot Scruton in the face at close-range, killing him, and left Scruton’s body behind the building. He was found hours later by a citizen.

When Holliday was interviewed by detectives with the Virginia Beach Police Department, he denied knowing Kody Scruton. Phone records proved Holliday was in contact with Scruton multiple times in the hours prior to the murder.

A friend of Scruton testified that on the night of the murder, she received a phone call from Scruton during which he stated, “I’m either going to end up in jail, or dead.”

For his role in the crimes, co-defendant Nahshon Brown pled guilty to Robbery (Attempt) and Conspiracy, and was sentenced to five (5) years in the Department of Corrections.

The juvenile who was with Holliday and Brown on the night of the murder pled guilty to Conspiracy and was committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott M. Lang and Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney L. Diane Nelms. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Exemplary Witnesses to be Honored at Victims’ Rights Ceremony

mpridgen — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:39:52 +0000

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 · 09:00 am

WHO: Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office

WHAT: Crime Victims’ Rights Week Ceremony

WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 2013, 7 p.m.

WHERE: The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, 2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

WHY: To honor crime victims and the advocates of victims’ rights; to recognize the efforts of seven witnesses who made extraordinary efforts in the fight against crime

BACKGROUND: Each year, communities throughout the nation honor victims of crimes through various events and ceremonies. This year’s theme, “New Challenges, New Solutions,” reflects the increasingly complex mission of victim advocates today. Organizations and programs such as the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Program must continue to find innovative ways to serve victims in need, whether it is emotionally, financially or otherwise.

Robert “Bobby” Mathieson, U.S. Marshal – Eastern District of Virginia, will serve as the ceremony’s guest speaker, following the presentation of the flags by the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office and remarks and reading of the proclamation by Mayor William D. Sessoms Jr.

Seven exceptional witnesses will be honored for their contribution to the fight against crime. These individuals are:
· Detective Janine Hall—Without the efforts of Detective Hall, mother Julie Calahan would not have been brought from Arkansas to Virginia Beach to be held responsible for the death of her 11-month-old daughter and abuse of her 4-year-old son. This case had previously been closed, and Detective Hall went to Arkansas twice to interview Julie Calahan. Ultimately, Calahan confessed to the crimes.

· Douglas Kennedy, Craig McMillan, and Michael Polhamus— These citizens chased down and apprehended Jordan Allen, who had just robbed a Best Buy while armed with a machete. They detained Allen until the police arrived on scene.

· Rose Mary Thornton and Seth Biggs— Eleven-year-old Seth Biggs was at home babysitting his little sister when he heard people attempting to break into his home. He immediately called his mother, who worked nearby. The would-be burglars saw Seth through the window and ran from the scene. Both individuals were captured, arrested, and later convicted after testimony from Seth Biggs.

Ms. Rose Mary Thornton, a senior citizen who lives across the street from the Biggs residence, noticed the two would-be burglars and knew that they did not live in the neighborhood. She watched them approach the Biggs home, look through the windows, and jump a privacy fence into the backyard. Ms. Thornton called the police to report what she had witnessed. Ms. Thornton also testified at multiple hearings, and brought Seth to court for one of the court dates because Seth’s mother had an appointment she could not reschedule. Because of the fast and brave actions of these two witnesses, a burglary was thwarted and both suspects were quickly located and apprehended. Biggs and Thornton are a prime example of citizens fighting crime from generation to generation.

· May Tsai Hou— Ms. Hou was of tremendous help in a rape case in which the victim was a native of Taiwan. Ms. Hou provided translation services, made calls to Taiwan to contact the victim, encouraged the victim to testify at a preliminary hearing, housed the victim temporarily, and finally drove to Washington D.C. to safely see the victim off to Taiwan.

Other attendees of the ceremony include various City officials, members of the Parents of Murdered Children – Virginia Beach Chapter, and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office staff. Media and the public are welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact Macie Pridgen for further information.