New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 29, 2024

Denying access to owner’s horse, Ruther Glen woman pleads guilty to amended charge in Charles City

By Andre Jones | August 9, 2019 1:20 pm

A Ruther Glen woman accepted a plea agreement during Friday morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court.

Jillian Ledford Barry, 28, of the 19000 block of Lander Bridge Road, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of trespassing (originally grand larceny) stemming from a Nov. 15, 2018 incident.

In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Tyler, in Aug. 2018, Lee Eddy was moving to North Carolina and needed a place to board her horse. Through a mutual friend, Barry agreed to take care of the animal. Over time, Barry asked Eddy to purchase the horse. Though discussions occurred, no agreement took place.

In November, Eddy asked to come see the horse and check on its condition. However, the defendant denied knowing where the horse was at the time. With the horse allegedly missing, charges were filed against Barry. After a preliminary hearing, Charles City Sheriff’s Office obtained information the horse in question was discovered on property located in the county. Deputies seized the animal.

Under the agreement, Barry received a 90-day sentence with all time suspended on the trespassing charge as deputies were able to recover the animal. However, the defendant must pay $1,500 in restitution.

In an unrelated case, a charge of grand larceny lodged against Eric Louis Shields Jr., 25, of the 11000 block of St. Audries Drive, Chesterfield, was dropped.