Wheelman in multi-county burglary ring handed time

The wheelman of a multi-county burglary ring will be spending the next two years in jail.

Joseph Christopher Pitts, 31, of 21st Street, West Point, received a total of 40 years incarceration with 38 suspended on Dec. 17 in New Kent Circuit Court for his role in multiple burglaries last March and April in the county.

Pitts admitted in September during his trial that he was the driver of a vehicle carrying Antoine Maurice Burrell, 29, and Lopear Vorice Burrell, 31, both of 16th Street, West Point, to homes that the pair burglarized. Pitts said his actions stemmed from his heroin addiction along with the Burrell brothers offering money for rides to the targeted homes.

Pitts read an apology to the court, noting his personal downfalls that triggered the situation. But Judge Thomas B. Hoover questioned the defendant’s rationale, along with the perception that Pitts’ was looking out for himself during sentencing.

“Everything I hear is about you. How come I don’t hear about the insecurity [of the owners] of homes you broke into?” questioned Hoover. “What about the sentimental value of items stolen? What about the guns that are now on the street that can be used for other crimes?”

“I didn’t think the addiction to heroin would lead me to this [crime],” responded Pitts.

Defense attorney Katherine Giannasi addressed the court, speaking on the cooperation Pitts has given authorities and his acceptance in the detention and diversion program were she said he’s taken positive steps since being incarcerated.

While Hoover agreed that Pitts helped authorities, he also pointed out that the defendant caused problems as well.

“You took peace of mind and safety from these people,” the judge told the defendant.

Pitts also has to pay $8,798 in restitution.

In an unrelated case, two defendants convicted for their part in a home invasion in New Kent will be spending several years behind bars.

Christopher Lee Orr, 21, and Dustin Lee Chinnault, 19, both of 6000 block of Oak Drive in Quinton, were sentenced to prison for the incident at Brandon Black’s house in the 6000 block of Emmaus Church Road on April 14-15.

Evidence showed Orr and Chinnault took a handgun from the residence on April 14. Along with a third defendant, Wystan Theodore Isgett, 21, of the 8000 block of New Market Heights Lane, Richmond, the pair returned to the property shortly after midnight on April 15. While wearing masks, Orr and Chinnault broke into the house, searching for marijuana.

Each defendant told Hoover his reasoning for accompanying Isgett and committing the crime.

“I told myself that I’m stealing from a drug dealer,” said Chinnault. “He’s not a productive member of society. He’s not going to call the police.”

Hoover, however, wanted Chinnault to see the error of his ways.

“Look at all the anguish you have caused,” said Hoover, directing Chinnault to look at his mother and family in the court room. “You see the heartbreak you caused for people who care for you?”

Orr’s downward spiral in his life was his reasoning for assisting in the crime.

“I was in a tight place at the time and I needed the money,” said Orr. “The money was going to be split three ways and I had to pay the rent.”

“Didn’t you know this was wrong from the beginning?” asked Hoover.

“I did,” replied Orr. “I told them ‘no’ over and over again, but in the end, I guess I was weak-minded and I needed the money.”

Chinnault received a prison sentence of 43 years combined on one count each of possession of a firearm, burglary, and robbery. He will serve an active sentence of five years.

Orr also received 43 years on the same charges, but will be serving an active sentence of six years, six months.

In other, unrelated cases on Dec. 17:

–Daniel Nathan Alexander, 22, of the 8000 block of Warrior Road, Quinton, accepted a plea deal on one count of possession with intent to give/sell marijuana. Deputies searched Alexander’s residence after detecting the odor of marijuana on his person during a previous visit. Alexander admitted he possessed the substance. Under the deal, he received a 10-year jail sentence with all but one month suspended.

–Juan Miguel Paz, 40, (no address listed), pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of cocaine. Under a plea agreement, two other distribution charges were dropped. Paz admitted he sold cocaine on June 15 and 28 at Colonial Downs. Sentencing was continued to Jan. 14 pending an evaluation to see if he qualifies for the state’s detention and diversion program.

–April Louis Talley (formerly April Nicole Louis), 28, of the 9000 block of Greenwood Boulevard, New Kent, was sentenced to 30 years in prison with all suspended upon completion of the women’s detention and diversion program. She also has to pay restitution of $1,624.25. Louis was convicted on three charges of credit card larceny stemming from an incident where she stole cards from her grandmother and great-aunt on a variety of days in March 2012.