The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on August 7, 2008, Virginia Beach Special Investigations Detectives were conducting a “buy/bust” operation in the Green Run Shopping Center in Virginia Beach. The detectives had arranged through a confidential informant to purchase one-half pound of marijuana from an individual by the nickname of “Pep”. “Pep” was later identified as Marshall Demetrius Moyd. The Virginia Beach Special Investigations Team consisted of three teams of multiple officers, each assigned different responsibilities. Detective Michael Phillips was undercover and wore a body wire and duty weapon, which were concealed. He also possessed $675.00 in cash to purchase the marijuana. Detective Phillips contacted Moyd and they agreed to meet near the 7-Eleven in the Green Run Shopping Center. Moyd entered Detective Phillips’ undercover truck wearing a backpack and stated that he did not have the marijuana on him but that he would return with it.

One of the Special Investigative teams spotted Moyd talking with a second man, later identified as Ted Carter. Moyd and Carter spoke for about ten (10) minutes before Moyd returned to Detective Phillips’ truck. Carter was seen entering a Chevy Tahoe and driving towards the shopping center. Meanwhile, Moyd informed Detective Phillips that “his man” was bringing the marijuana. Moments later, Carter parked the Tahoe to the left of Detective Phillips at which time Detective Phillips asked Moyd, “Is this your man?” Carter then exited the Tahoe, approached Detective Phillips, and opened fire on him using a .40 caliber handgun. Carter shot Detective Phillips at least three times without provocation and without warning. Moyd jumped out of Detective Phillips’ car and ran to the Tahoe. He attempted to drive away but was stopped after two of the Special Investigative teams rammed the Tahoe. Moyd fled into nearby woods where he was soon arrested. A sawed off shotgun he admitted having was found nearby. Carter was detained at the scene while grabbing money from the floor of Detective Phillips’ truck. Attempts to revive Detective Phillips by officers on the scene were unsuccessful and he died as a result of the gunshot wounds.

The Chevy Tahoe was later discovered to belong to a relative of Moyd. The backpack worn by Moyd in his initial encounter with Detective Phillips was recovered from the Tahoe, a ski mask and latex glove inside. Carter, Moyd, both of their residences, and the Tahoe were searched by Virginia Beach police and K-9 units with the Norfolk Police Department. No marijuana was ever recovered. When interviewed by detectives with the Virginia Beach Police Department, Moyd denied plotting anything other than a drug deal. “Carter and Moyd came to a drug deal with nothing but guns,” Bryant said.

There was no evidence that Carter and Moyd knew Phillips was a police officer until they were informed by arresting officers.

Ted Vincent Carter pled guilty to Capital Murder, Robbery, and two (2) counts of Use of a Firearm and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Marshall Moyd’s prior record consists of convictions for Brandishing a Firearm, Alter/Remove Serial Number from a Firearm, and Possession of Marijuana.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Harvey Bryant, Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin D. Stolle, and Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillip Hollowell prosecuted the case. Please call Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.​

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on April 10, 2009, the victim, Isiah Jones, went to pick up his girlfriend from work at the Jumpin’ Monkey in the Lynnhaven Crossing Shopping Center. Isiah and a friend sat in Isiah’s car in the parking lot as they waited for her shift to end. Sheldon Swilling approached through the passenger’s open door, pointed a gun at them, and demanded the chain from Isiah’s neck. As Isiah attempted to pull off the chain and hand it to Swilling, Swilling fired one shot, striking Isiah in the chest. Swilling then fled the area and Isiah passed away at the scene.

Homicide detectives with the Virginia Beach Police Department identified Swilling as a suspect after shell casings left at the scene matched those of an unrelated shooting incident in which Swilling’s gun had been used by another individual. When arrested and questioned by detectives, Swilling confessed to shooting Isiah Jones. He also told a friend that he had “shot somebody over money or a chain.”

Swilling’s prior record includes a conviction in Virginia Beach for Brandishing a Firearm.

Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin D. Stolle and Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Philip C. Hollowell prosecuted the case. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.​

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on December 26, 2009, Isidro Amaya, Jorge Loredo, and a group of people were gathered at a trailer located in the 1100 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard. During a card game, a fight broke out between several people in the trailer. Amaya’s brother was involved in the fight and said, “Go get the gun.” Upon hearing this, Amaya and Loredo left the trailer and returned home to get a gun. With Loredo driving, the two men returned to the trailer. Loredo remained in the car as Amaya ran to the trailer and shot Florentino Martinez-Melendez three times and Modesto Martinez-Melendez once. Florentino Martinez-Melendez died at the scene. Amaya and Loredo then fled the scene and were quickly apprehended by officers with the Virginia Beach Police Department in the 1800 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard. The gun used to shoot Florentino and Modesto Martinez-Melendez was found in the vehicle.

Jorge Loredo was found guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter and Unlawful Wounding by a jury in Virginia Beach Circuit Court on August 9, 2010. The jury recommended he serve a sentence of three years and 12 months, as well as pay a $2,500 fine. On January 11, 2011, Circuit Court Judge Les L. Lilley imposed that sentence.

“Presumably, Amaya and Loredo will be deported by federal authorities after serving their prison sentences,” Bryant said.

Associate Commonwealth’s Attorney William F. Monroe and Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Kristin Paulding prosecuted the case. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on April 10, 2009, the victim, Isiah Jones, went to pick up his girlfriend from work at the Jumpin’ Monkey in the Lynnhaven Crossing Shopping Center. Isiah and a friend sat in Isiah’s car in the parking lot as they waited for her shift to end. Sheldon Swilling approached through the passenger’s open door, pointed a gun at them, and demanded the chain from Isiah’s neck. As Isiah attempted to pull off the chain and hand it to Swilling, Swilling fired one shot, striking Isiah in the chest. Swilling then fled the area and Isiah passed away at the scene.

Homicide detectives with the Virginia Beach Police Department identified Swilling as a suspect after shell casings left at the scene matched those of an unrelated shooting incident in which Swilling’s gun had been used by another individual. When arrested and questioned by detectives, Swilling confessed to the murder of Isiah Jones. He also told a friend that he had “shot somebody over money or a chain.”

Swilling’s prior record includes a conviction in Virginia Beach for Brandishing a Firearm.

Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin D. Stolle and Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Philip C. Hollowell prosecuted the case. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Had this matter gone to trial, the Commonwealth’s evidence would have proved that on December 15, 2008 at 12:15 a.m., Powell and a co-defendant, Deandre Jaquan Gordon, kicked in the back door to a house and went in. Unbeknownst to the defendants, the victim’s mother Sarah Lynch was in the house. She had just come home from a stay at the hospital. Upon encountering Ms. Lynch one of the defendants put a gun to her head and demanded money. The defendants searched the upstairs rooms moving Ms. Lynch around in an attempt to locate money and drugs. After approximately 15 minutes, Ms. Lynch heard one of the defendants say something to the effect of, “He’s coming back.” Deandre Gordon ran downstairs and encountered the victim Nathan Lynch. A struggle ensued at the back door of the residence. Ms. Lynch and Powell heard the struggle. Powell ran downstairs and shot Nathan Lynch once in the chest killing him. Gordon was linked to the crime by DNA analysis from a black knit cap that was recovered lying at the feet of the victim Nathan Lynch. Several weeks later Powell confessed to his involvement to the Virginia Beach Police.

Edward Aaron Powell was a juvenile at the time of these offenses. “This office instituted the transfer of this defendant to Circuit Court to be tried as an adult because of the violence of these crimes.” Bryant said.

The defendant has no prior criminal history.

The co-defendant, Deandre Gordon, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 12, 2011. A third participant is awaiting trial on June 21, 2011.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Philip C. Hollowell and Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney M. Janeice Robinson prosecuted the case. Please call Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on December 26, 2009, Isidro Amaya, Jorge Loredo, and a group of people were gathered at a trailer located in the 1100 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard. During a card game, a fight broke out between several people in the trailer. Amaya’s brother was involved in the fight and said, “Go get the gun.” Upon hearing this, Amaya and Loredo left the trailer and returned home to get a gun. With Loredo driving, the two men returned to the trailer. Loredo remained in the car as Amaya ran to the trailer and shot Florentino Martinez-Melendez three times and Modesto Martinez-Melendez once. Florentino Martinez-Melendez died at the scene. Amaya and Loredo then fled the scene and were quickly apprehended by Virginia Beach Police in the 1800 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard. The gun used to shoot Florentino and Modesto Martinez-Melendez was found in the vehicle.

“Presumably, Amaya will be deported by federal authorities after serving his sentence,” Bryant said. Jorge Loredo was found guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter and Unlawful Wounding by a jury in Virginia Beach Circuit Court on August 9, 2010. The jury recommended he serve a sentence of three years and 12 months, as well as pay a $2,500 fine. On January 11, 2011, Circuit Court Judge Les Lilley imposed that sentence.

Associate Commonwealth’s Attorney William F. Monroe and Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Kristin Paulding prosecuted the case. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Indictments were returned against Robert Lee Sadler III of the 1400 block Bayhead Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia, for Capital Murder – Abduction and Capital Murder – Sexual Assault. Sadler, age 22, was previously indicted by a grand jury on January 3, 2011, for First Degree Murder in connection with the September 13, 2010 murder of young Navy wife Shana Hight.

The grand jury indicted 10 individuals for Driving Under the Influence, seven of which are felony 3rd offense DUIs. These individuals are:

Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Had this matter gone to trial, the Commonwealth’s evidence would have proved that on December 15, 2008, Edward Powell, Deandre Gordon and other co-conspirators planned to break into the residence of the victim, Nathan Lynch, located in the Plaza Apartment Townhomes in the City of Virginia Beach. Just after midnight, they kicked in the back door and rushed inside. Unbeknownst to them, Lynch’s mother was in the home recovering from a hospital stay. Powell and his co-conspirators put a gun to Ms. Lynch’s head and demanded money, ultimately forcing her from room to room in search of money or drugs.

During this time, Nathan Lynch returned to the house and was met at the back door by Gordon. Gordon and Lynch struggled until Powell ran downstairs and shot Lynch once in the chest, killing him. DNA was recovered from a black knit cap found near Lynch’s foot which was analyzed and found to match Gordon’s DNA. When interviewed by detectives with the Virginia Beach Police Department, Powell confessed to his involvement in the burglary and alleged that he did not expect anyone to be in the home.

Deandre Gordon pleaded guilty to charges of Second Degree Murder, Armed Burglary, and Conspiracy on January 25, 2011. His sentencing will take place on July 12, 2011.

Powell was a juvenile at the time of the offense, but was certified as an adult to Circuit Court due to the nature of the charges. His prior criminal record includes adjudications as a juvenile for Trespassing and Throwing a Missile at an Occupied Vehicle.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Philip C. Hollowell and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney M. Janeice Robinson prosecuted the case. Please call Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.

Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced today that Alvin Lorenzo Evans Jr., 33 years old, who previously resided in the 600 block of Aubrey Drive in the City of Virginia Beach., was sentenced today on the charges of First Degree Murder, Attempted Robbery, Conspiracy and two (2) counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. The defendant was tried by a jury in March and the Honorable Leslie L. Lilley presided over the three day trial. The jury recommended that he serve a sentence of thirty-eight (38) years. Today, the Court imposed that sentence.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on February 7, 2008, the victim, Sharrod Bailey, met Beverlyn Johnson at the club, Luxury Brown. He later spoke with Johnson over the telephone and drove to the Mayfair Apartments, off Newtown Road, under the impression that he would pick her up to have a meal at IHOP. Keone Baxter, Alvin Evans, and Johnson had earlier planned to set up men for the purpose of robbery. Johnson lured the victim to the apartment complex around 3:30 a.m. When he arrived, Johnson walked away under the guise of getting a coat. Baxter and Evans approached the car and demanded that Bailey open the door. The victim was shot to death through the driver’s side window. DNA belonging to Evans was located in the victim’s pocket; a fingerprint belonging to Evans was found at the scene. Virginia Beach police tracked the men to New York with the assistance of the US Marshal’s Service, where they were observed but escaped arrest. When Baxter and Evans returned to Virginia Beach, the police were able to take them into custody.

In 2005, Evans was sentenced to eighteen (18) years for three (3) counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute. That sentence was suspended, conditioned upon “good behavior”. A hearing for his violation of probation is set for September 28, 2010.

In October, 2009, Keone Baxter was sentenced by a jury to twenty (20) years on Robbery and Conspiracy charges and fined $50,000.00. After cooperating with law enforcement and testifying against her codefendants, Beverlyn Johnson was sentenced to thirty (30) years on charges of Conspiracy and Robbery. All but ten (10) years of that sentence was suspended, conditioned on good behavior for thirty (30) years.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Philip C. Hollowell and Senior Assistant Edwin S. Booth prosecuted the case. Please call Macie E. Pridgen if additional information is desired.

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 68 individuals charging 136 offenses.

Of the indictments presented, 26 were felony drug offenses. “Drugs are a continuing plague in our society and they continue to play a role in the commission of other property and violent crimes,” Bryant said. “My office continues its long-standing policy of asking for jury trials in possession with intent to distribute cases.”

The grand jury charged 5 individuals with felony Driving Under the Influence-3rd Offense.

The grand jury returned indictments against Isidro Isadora Loredo Amaya for 1st degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and aggravated malicious wounding. Indictments were also returned against Christopher D. Dockiewicz for DUI and two counts of aggravated involuntary manslaughter.

The remaining indictments charged a broad range of criminal offenses from abduction to robbery with the use of a firearm, malicious wounding, prescription fraud, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, hit and run, habitual offender, burglary, credit card fraud, forgery, malicious wounding, forgery of a public record, and assault on law enforcement officer.

Please contact Julie Pickell if additional information is desired.