New Kent man enters guilty pleas for Deer Lake subdivision burglaries

A New Kent man entered guilty pleas to several thefts from the Deer Lake subdivision on Feb. 19.

Brian Matthew Harlow, 20, of the 5800 block of Deer Path Drive, admitted guilt to two counts of breaking and entering, two counts of misdemeanor entering a vehicle without permission, and one count each of possession of cocaine, grand larceny, and misdemeanor petty larceny. One count of possession of a controlled substance (Zanax) was dropped.

In a summary of evidence, New Kent investigator J. Joseph McLaughlin III responded to complaints in the Deer Lake subdivision about an individual entering vehicles. After one of the victims confronted the defendant, she called New Kent Sheriff’s Office. Deputies later picked up Harlow and questioned him about the offenses.

Later during the day, New Kent deputy Wyatt Johnston responded to a call in the Deer Lake area about possible burglaries. As the investigation took place, the officer received information about stolen items. In communicating with McLaughlin, he realized that some of the items McLaughlin found on the defendant matched the description of items taken from the homes of the victims.

A search warrant was obtained to inspect the residence Harlow resided in. Harlow walked down the stairs, saw officers and returned upstairs. The officers gained access to the home and walked up stairs where Harlow and two others were hiding items and a powdery substance, later determined to be cocaine. More confiscated items were also located during the search and Harlow admitted that the crimes he committed stemmed from him taking drugs at a party the night before. The defendant also said he had no recollection of committing the crimes or anything else on the date of the offense.

Under the agreement, no formal finding was rendered as a presentence report is being prepared for the defendant. Formal sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 21.