Possible Grand Larceny at School Bus Garage in Gloucester

Virginia State Police are looking into a possible grand larceny at a Gloucester Public Schools’ bus garage, as reported by the Daily Press.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation for the Hampton Roads area initiated an investigation at the request of the Gloucester Public Schools. The school system had reason to believe that they were the victim of grand larceny.

School officials confirmed that property, not money, was missing from the garage. Police are investigating to determine who took the missing property, including the consideration of a former supervisory employee at the school bus garage.

The Gloucester Public Schools first contacted the Gloucester sheriff about the theft. But the sheriff ended up referring this case to the state police for two different conflicts of interest. First, all Gloucester police vehicles were serviced at the same garage until 2008. Gloucester police interacted regularly with the suspect in question. Second, the suspect is related to a former deputy.

Considering the implications of this news story, it feels like a perfect time to review Virginia laws concerning larceny.

What does larceny mean in Virginia?

Virginia differentiates between different types of theft. Virginia bases their system on the value of the goods stolen. For theft involving lower-value items, petty larceny constitutes a misdemeanor. For theft involving higher-value items, grand larceny constitutes a felony.

There is a definition for grand larceny in Code of Virginia section 18.2-95, outlining two different types of grand larceny.

First, grand larceny occurs when an item valued at $5 or more is stolen off of a person’s body. For example, if a pickpocket steals $5 or more from the owner, then it is grand larceny.

Second, grand larceny occurs when an item valued at $200 or more is stolen with no intention to return the item. For example, if a thief steals art worth more than $200 while the owner is on vacation and tries to sell the art, then it is grand larceny.

It is important to note that there are other considerations at play with grand larceny. There are various Virginia codes dealing with larceny and firearms, shoplifting as well as receiving or selling stolen property.

Finally, any individual convicted of the felony of grand larceny faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and $2,500 in fines.

Reach Out to Us for Help

If you are facing charges for grand larceny or other criminal offenses, the process can be downright terrifying. Between harsh penalties and even prison time, there is good cause to be nervous. No one can afford to take chances with so much on the line. That is why it is vital to seek counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Whether you are facing criminal charges or just have questions, please do not hesitate to follow up with Simms Showers LLP immediately. Featuring headquarters in Leesburg, Simms Showers, LLP provides legal counsel to clients on a wide variety of criminal charges. You can call us at 703-997-7821 or request a follow-up meeting by completing an online form.

Resource:

dailypress.com/news/gloucester-county/dp-nws-gloucester-schools-police-investigation-20170810-story.html