Roanoke man convicted of attempted grand theft auto in New Kent

A Roanoke man has been convicted on several charges linked to an attempted grand theft auto in New Kent.

Elijah Wessel Campbell was found guilty on one count each of attempted grand larceny, possession of burglary tools, breaking and entering, causing damage to a public building, misdemeanor petty larceny, and misdemeanor tampering with a vehicle following a Monday afternoon trial in New Kent Circuit Court.

In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth Attorney Scott Renick, on Sept. 6, 2023, Campbell was on the property of United Auto Sales after they have closed for the night. Campbell took a pole and broke the front window, stealing a set of keys. As he went to try to steal the vehicle, the defendant was spooked and took off before law enforcement had arrived. Video surveillance recovered from the break-in showed Campbell and his vehicle.

Working with Hopewell Sheriff’s Department, investigators were able to identify Campbell through the video evidence and a background search.

Sentencing for Campbell is scheduled for Apr. 14. In other circuit court matters:

–Brian Gentry, 45, (no current address listed), had one charge or failure to register as a Tier III sex offender dropped.

–Larry Darnell Hilliard, of Henrico, had a charge of delivering drugs to a prisoner dropped.