Newport News man admits to robbing Lanexa grocery store

Muhammad

A Newport News man who robbed a Lanexa store has entered a guilty plea to the crime as part of an agreement reached Monday afternoon in New Kent Circuit Court.

Karim Aziz Muhammad, 47, of the 100 block of North Redwood Court, pled guilty to one count of robbery stemming from an Apr. 11, 2020 heist.

In a summary of evidence by special prosecutor Rob Tyler, Muhammad entered Stewart’s Grocery store and walked up to the counter with a bag of peanuts, pretending to make a purchase. When the cashier opened the drawer, the defendant implicated that he was going to rob the store and left a note saying the same thing. Muhammad reached into the cash register and pulled approximately $375 out before leaving the store.

New Kent Sheriff’s Office responded and reviewed video of the robbery as well as received a license plate to a black vehicle. The car was registered to Muhammad and after receiving information, authorities have received an order and warrant for his arrest. Muhammad contacted authorities and said that he was going to turn himself in, eventually doing it on Apr. 14, 2020.

Under the plea agreement, the Commonwealth’s Attorney office will not argue for anything above the low end of the sentencing guidelines. The low end of those guidelines is six years, nine months, with the high end being 10 years, two months. Formal sentencing for Muhammad is scheduled for June 14.

In another circuit court matter, a Chesterfield man admitted guilt to possessing a Schedule I/II drug.

Evans Bright Garrett IV, 52, of the 9800 block of Candle Lamp Lane, entered a guilty plea to the charge as part of an agreement reached.

In a summary of evidence, on April 4, 2020, a New Kent deputy on patrol pulled over a vehicle for speeding and having an expired registration. When the officer asked Garrett, now identified as the driver, to search for the registration, Garrett granted permission. Upon searching that vehicle, the officer discovered seven pills, later identified as amphetamine. Garrett admitted that the pills were his and that he should not have had them as his prescription for the items had run out.

Under the plea agreement, no formal finding was rendered as Garrett will entered into the First Offender Program. If he successfully completes the one-year program, the charge will be dismissed.