Richmond teenager receives three months in jail for eluding New Kent police

A Richmond teenager will spend three months in jail after receiving formal sentencing during proceedings in New Kent on Monday.

Fernando Eugene Temple III, 19, of the 1300 block of N. 26th Street, will serve the active time on a felony eluding of police conviction (three years with two years, nine months suspended).

During an Aug. 8 trial, Temple entered guilty pleas to the aforementioned charge, along with one count each of felony destruction of property, grand theft auto, and credit card larceny as part of a plea agreement. During that trial, evidence revealed that an off-duty police officer contacted New Kent Sheriff’s Office after noticing criminal activity in the area. One of the suspects, who was later identified as Temple, was driving a white Hyundai while trying to avoid officers in a pursuit. During the chase, he damaged a sheriff’s car and a vehicle before attempted to bail on foot. He was later captured, and he admitted that the vehicle he was driving was stolen. Inside the vehicle were stolen credit cards.

Temple also received 20-year sentences with all time suspended on the credit card larceny and grand theft auto convictions. All three years on the destruction of property charge were also suspended, but the defendant must pay restitution in the amount of $9,084.

In other circuit court matters:

–Michael Antione Bates III, 21, of Richmond, entered a guilty plea to felony eluding as part of an agreement. A misdemeanor reckless driving charge was dropped as part of the agreement.

In a summary of evidence, officers clocked Bates traveling in excess of 130 miles per hour on Interstate 64. Bates left the Interstate at Exit 205 (Bottoms Bridge) and ended the chase as officers held him at gunpoint.

Under the agreement, Bates received a three-year sentence with two years, nine months suspended (three years to serve).

–Kevin Lee Bernandini, of Jarrett, was found guilty of shoplifting stemming from a Mar. 1, 2021 incident. Bernardini pled guilty during a July 26, 2021 trial where he admitted to stealing a 40-ounce beer and a jacket from the Pilot store located on Emmaus Church Road. A background search on the defendant revealed he had previously committed the offense.

Bernardini failed to complete the First Offender Program, triggering the guilty conviction to be added to his record. He received a three-year jail sentence with two years suspended (one year to serve).

–J’Vonte Lamont Dabney, 18, of Henrico, entered a guilty plea to a single count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (greater than one-half ounce but less than five pounds).

In a summary of evidence, a Virginia State Trooper executed a traffic stop on Feb. 11. When the officer approached the vehicle, they detected the smell of marijuana and executed a search. That search yielded the substance along with two firearms and $3,026.

Dabney received a five-year sentence with all time suspended as part of him pleading guilty.

–Derric Mahoney, 46, of the 3000 block of Danrett Lane, Richmond, pled guilty to possession of a Schedule I/II drug as part of a plea deal. In a summary of evidence, Mahoney admitted to having the illegal substance on May 12.

Under the plea agreement, he received a five-year sentence with all time suspended.