Richmond teenager pleads guilty to grand theft auto, eluding police in New Kent

A Richmond teenager has entered guilty pleas stemming from an incident where he stole a vehicle and caused damage to other property in New Kent.

Fernando Eugene Temple III, 19, of the 1300 block of N. 26th Street, entered guilty pleas to one count each of felony eluding of police, felony destruction of property, grand theft auto, and credit card larceny as part of an agreement reached Monday afternoon in New Kent Circuit Court. One count of grand larceny, an additional charge of grand theft auto, two additional charges of credit card larceny, and eight counts of misdemeanor petty larceny were dropped as part of the agreement.

In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth Attorney Scott Renick, on Oct. 3, 2021, an off-duty Henrico County police officer who lived in New Kent noticed criminal activity in his neighborhood conducted by three suspects. The off-duty officer contacted New Kent Sheriff’s Office before pursuing the suspects. One of the suspects, identified later as Temple, was driving a white Hyundai and while trying to avoid the officers in a pursuit, swerved and hit a trailer, damaging both the vehicle and trailer. Temple bailed on foot into the nearby woods before returning and surrendering to the authorities. During his arrest interview, the defendant admitted that the vehicle he was driving was stolen and that he had committed larcenies in the area. A search of the Hyundai showed stolen items including credit cards.

Under the agreement, a pre-sentence report is being prepared on the defendant with formal sentencing scheduled for Sept. 26. Sentencing guidelines recommend a term ranging from one day to six months to serve. As part of the agreement, he must pay restitution in the amount of $9,400 for damage he caused to the trailer.

In other circuit court matters:

–Antonia Tameka Brown, 43, of the 5400 block of Mistyhill Road, North Chesterfield, entered an Alford Plea of Guilt to an amended charge of misdemeanor making a threat by phone (originally extortion) as part of an agreement. An Alford Plea of Guilt means that while the defendant maintains her innocence, evidence presented in the case would be enough to convict her of the offense.

In a summary of evidence, a New Kent County deputy was contacted by a victim regarding text messages being received from the defendant. An investigation was conducted, and it was determined that Brown sent threatening messages to the victim, who lived in New Kent County. It was also discovered that Brown had also made these threats through phone calls to the victim.

Under the agreement, Brown received a 90-day sentence with all time suspended.

–A charge of possession of a Schedule I/II drug (methamphetamine) lodged against Michala Rachel Simmons, 27, of the 5200 block of Hopewell Road, New Kent, was dismissed after the defendant successfully completed the First Offender Program.