Richmond man receives three-year jail sentence for stealing copper in Charles City

A Richmond man will spend the next three years in jail for stealing copper after receiving formal sentencing during Friday morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court.

Wyatt Jacob Renick, 31, of the 9700 block of Laurel Pine Drive, was sentenced to 10 years in jail with seven years suspended (three to serve) on one count of grand larceny. All five years on the selling of stolen property charge were suspended.

During a Sept. 1 trial, Renick accepted a plea deal to the crimes. During that trial, evidence presented by Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Tyler showed that on Nov. 4, 2019, the owner of Roxbury Mechanical called for authorities to investigate a break-in into his shop. Among items that were taken included a barrel of copper and a bucket with copper parts.

Reviewing surveillance film revealed that Renick, who had once worked at the shop, was among one of the people inside the facility the day of the crime. Investigators located Renick after receiving information that he was trying to sell the copper. Renick was arrested and admitted to authorities of his wrongdoing.