Hampton man who stole antique car, firearms in New Kent sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison

A Hampton man who stole a classic vehicle from a New Kent resident will spend the next three-and-a-half years in prison.

Brandon Wayne Milligan, 29, of 5 Quinn Street, entered guilty pleas to six counts of firearm larceny, one count of grand theft auto, one count of forging a title, and one count of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretenses during Tuesday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. One count each of breaking and entering, possession of a weapon by a violent felon, conspiracy to commit grand theft auto, and conspiracy to possess a stolen vehicle were dropped as part of the agreement.

In a summary of evidence, Milligan and his fiancé’ Brittany Whitworth occupied a home belonging to Gerald Sprouse without his permission from Jan. 15, 2022 to June 23, 2022. While living in the home, Whitworth claimed that she had the Power of Attorney, claiming that Milligan gave her permission to sell items. Among the items that were sold was a Ford Model A that she sold to Kevin Leppert.

Leppert to the vehicle to a local mechanic, who recognized the vehicle. That discovery kicked off an investigation that revealed that Sprouse never gave permission to either Whitworth or Milligan to live in the house or sell items. The investigation also revealed that Milligan had stolen firearms and sold them for money as well. Milligan was questioned and arrested on the offenses.

Milligan received a 10-year prison sentence with six years, six months suspended on the forging of a title conviction (three years, six months to serve). Ten years on each of the six firearm larceny charges, the grand theft auto conviction, and conspiracy to obtain money by false pretenses were suspended as part of the deal. Milligan must also pay $30,056 in restitution.

Whitworth’s trial occurred on Jan. 9, where she entered guilty pleas to one count each of conspiracy to commit grand theft auto, forgery of a certificate, and obtaining money by false pretenses as part of a plea agreement (nine counts of firearm larceny, two counts of grand theft auto, and one count each of burglary, grand larceny, and obtaining money by false pretenses were dropped). She received 10-year sentences with all time suspended on each of those charges.