Jarrett man pleads guilty to stealing items from Pilot in New Kent

A Jarrett man will enter into an alternative program after pleading guilty to a shoplifting charge during July 26 proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

Kevin Lee Bernardini pled guilty to one charge of shoplifting (third offense) at his trial. One charge each of forgery, receiving stolen goods, felony unauthorized use of a vehicle, and forgery of a record were dropped as part of the agreement.

In a summary of evidence, on Mar. 1, Bernardini was in the Pilot store on Emmaus Church Road in New Kent. Video surveillance showed the defendant taking a 40-ounce beer and a jacket from the store without paying for it. When confronted, Bernardini denied taking the items before later confessing to the crime.

Under the plea agreement, no formal finding was rendered as the defendant will enter into the First Offender Program. If he successfully completes the program, the charge may be either reduced or dismissed completely.