Mechanicsville man enters guilty pleas to sex crimes with minor in New Kent Circuit Court

A Mechanicsville man who had sexual interactions with a minor in New Kent County in February admitted to the crimes during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

Christopher Ray Sheffield, 21, entered guilty pleas to one count each of propositioning a minor to do pornography and having consensual sex with a minor as part of a plea agreement reached. One charge each of breaking and entering and using a computer to solicit pornography were dropped.

In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick, on Feb. 21, a resident contacted New Kent Sheriff’s Office after he received a notification from an electronic camera at his home about a possible break-in. When deputies arrived at the property, they knocked on a door that was answered by a minor. With the homeowner’s consent, the house was searched and upstairs in the minor’s bedroom closet was an adult male, later identified as Sheffield. When questioned why he was up in the bedroom, the defendant admitted that he had intercourse with the minor. When officers continued their investigation, it was discovered that Sheffield had texted the minor and requested pornographic material from them.

Under the plea agreement, a presentence report is being prepared as the defendant will undergo an evaluation that includes a psychiatric one. Sentencing guidelines call for a range of two years, four months to seven years, 11 months to serve.

In other circuit court proceedings:

–Irvin W. Holsapple III, 60, of the 8000 block of Dunwoody Road, Mechanicsville, was found guilty of possession of a Schedule I/II controlled substance (methamphetamine) after he failed to meet the requirements of the First Offender Program.

During a Dec. 2018 trial, evidence presented on the case revealed that on Apr. 19, 2018, a school resource officer noticed a man in the parking lot of George Watkins Elementary School looking for something. After detecting the scent of marijuana, a search was conducted with the officer discovering hyperbolic needles with crystalized liquid inside of them. That liquid was later identified as methamphetamine.

Holsapple received a five-year jail sentence with all time suspended.

–Maryus Alonzo Johnson Jr., 47, formerly of 22 South Kenmore Road, Richmond, had a charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle dismissed due to his passing.

–Shawn Eric Smith, 30, of the 4600 block of Easy Place Southeast, Washington D.C., had one charge of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) dismissed after successfully completing the First Offender program.