New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 29, 2024

Richmond man pleads guilty to using profane language over airway as part of plea deal reached in New Kent

By Andre Jones | September 19, 2022 6:55 pm

A Richmond man will spend one month in jail after pleading guilty to an amended misdemeanor charge during Monday afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

Shawn Samaroo, 40, of the 8100 block of Clovertree Court, entered a guilty to plea to an amended charge of misdemeanor using profane language over the airway (originally extortion) as part of the agreement.

In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth Attorney Scott Renick, on Dec. 21, 2021, Samaroo called the victim and accused them of not paying them for work that he had allegedly did. When the situation escalated, Samaroo used inappropriate language towards the victim, leading to the victim calling police for assistance. Eventually, Samaroo was taken into custody and charged with the offense.

Under the agreement, Samaroo received a 12-month jail sentence with 11 months suspended (one month to serve).

In other circuit court proceedings:

–Joshua Lee Carpenter, of Quinton, was found guilty on one count of committing an indecent act with a child by a parent/guardian and sodomy during a contested jury trial that took place on Sept. 15. He was found not guilty on producing child pornography and possession of child pornography. Evidence presented during the trial led to a jury finding him guilty of the crimes.

A presentence report is being prepared with formal sentencing scheduled for Dec. 12.

–Joseph Allen Melton, of Quinton, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of misdemeanor assault and battery (originally aggravated sexual battery by a parent/guardian) as part of an agreement. In a summary of evidence, Melton was wrestling and horseplaying with a child when the incident took place.
Under the agreement, Melton received a 12-month sentence with all time suspended. He must also complete a mental health evaluation as part of the agreement.