Category: Harvey Latney

Update on Shelia Boone

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Woman pleads guilty to fraud [emphasis mine throughout]:

Shelia Mae Boone pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of federal bank fraud for writing one $1,000 check to herself on the account of the lawyer for whom she worked.

That lawyer is Harvey Latney Jr., who works part time as the commonwealth’s attorney in Caroline County in addition to his private law practice. Boone was his only employee.

U.S. District Court documents on Boone describe a period of at least two years when she was forging checks on bank accounts set up by Latney for money he was holding for clients and estates he was handling.

The single-check bank fraud charge replaces the three original counts against the 49-year-old Caroline resident — one of identity theft and two of bank fraud for allegedly forging two checks, one for $86,786.54 and the other for $185,000.

A statement filed with her guilty plea yesterday states that she stole a total of $92,930.42, including the $1,000. That leaves at least $178,000 not accounted for by Boone’s plea agreement or statement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Gill declined to comment on the case.

So, where’s the money?

Boone’s lawyer, Arnold Henderson, said he agreed with federal prosecutors that the single bank-fraud count “was the appropriate charge to bring” against his client.

“I don’t know what’s truly missing from Mr. Latney’s accounts,” Henderson said. “My investigation does not reveal that Ms. Boone had any involvement above [the $92,930.82].”

Well, that answered my question…

George Chabalewski, counsel for the Virginia State Bar, confirmed last month that the bar has opened an investigation of Latney because of the missing money. Chabalewski would not say who initiated the bar complaint or provide other details.

Craig S. Cooley, the lawyer representing Latney in the State Bar complaint, said no suggestion of impropriety or dishonesty by Latney has emerged in that investigation or information developed in the Richmond Circuit Court case against Boone. The Richmond charges were dropped in favor of the federal case.

Good one, Harvey. Get the guy that beat you in a murder case to represent you before the bar. How’s that reimbursement fund going Craig?

Cooley said Boone stole from Latney and from some of his clients.

“Her responsibility is substantially more than $93,000,” Cooley said.

And John Ames acted in self-defense when he confronted someone with two firearms and shot the person four times, right?

Boone’s statement says she wrote a number of checks on Latney’s bank accounts without his authorization or knowledge. She deposited some of the checks and cashed others, all for her personal use.

The two checks she was initially charged with forging were deposited into her account. Both were drawn on an account holding funds from the estate of Florence C. Williams, who died in 2002. Latney was the executor of the estate.

Members of the Williams family had been complaining at least since last year about how long Latney was taking to settle the estate. One of the city’s commissioners of accounts started looking into the complaints and eventually discovered money was missing.

Authorities have said they believe Boone kept Latney in the dark by erasing voicemail messages left for him by the commissioner of accounts, by accepting summonses to court on Latney’s behalf and not telling him about them and by writing letters forged with his signature in response to questions about the Williams estate.

Bank fraud carries a maximum possible sentence of 30 years, but Boone’s penalty is likely to be less when she is sentenced Feb. 8 by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.

A convicted drug user supports Harvey Latney (and Homer Johnson, Maxie Rozell, and Calvin Taylor)

No big surprise there, right?

Pamela Joan Mastropaolo (also a shoplifter extraordinaire), pled guilty to a felony charge of obtaining drugs by fraud (§ 18.2-258.1) in Henrico County Circuit Court. It was latter reduced to a misdemeanor charge of obtaining drugs by fraud.

She was still on probation from her previous shoplifting escapades however no show cause was issued in Williamsburg/James City County Circuit Court for violation of probation. I’m sure that had nothing to do with the fact that the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Williams/James City County is a Democrat and Pamela Mastropaolo and her husband Michael happen to be big Democratic contributors, right?

She’s also working as Latney’s campaign manager. She’s also going around claiming to be a reporter at the Richmond Times-Dispatch. According to a phone call to the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s office, she no longer works there. So, who am I to trust? The person that has pled guilty to two felonies already, or the person I talked to at the Richmond Times-Dispatch?

Also, according to Latney’s most recent campaign finance report the address given for Pamela Mastropaolo is:

1417 Brook Road
Richmond, VA 23220

That just happens to be the address for Harvey Latney’s office.

So Harvey, why do you have someone that has twice pled guilty to felonies in your office and helping on your campaign?

So Homer, are you going to stop having a convicted drug user and shoplifter hand out signs for you? Oh wait, you’re already the convicted felon choice for sheriff…

So Maxie, are you going to return that campaign contribution?

So Calvin, ditto on the campaign contribution?

Pamela Mastropaolo helping to hand out signs for Homer Johnson, Harvey Latney, and Calvin Taylor at the Frog Level Harvest Festival.

Pamela Mastropaolo (center, in the tent on the right) chatting with Maxie Rozell (right, in the tent on the right) at the Frog Level Harvest Festival.

pdficon_small

PDF of Pamela Mastropaolo’s sentencing order [social security number and date of birth redacted].

pdficon_small PDF of Harvey Latney’s most recent campaign contributions.

Shelia Boone to plead guilty

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Ex-secretary to plead guilty to embezzlement:

Shelia Mae Boone, accused of embezzling thousands from a dead woman’s estate through the lawyer she worked for, is scheduled to plead guilty today in federal court.

The lawyer she worked for, Harvey Latney Jr., works part time as the commonwealth’s attorney of Caroline County.

Boone, a Caroline resident, had been scheduled for trial next week. She was indicted in August by a federal grand jury on two counts of bank fraud and one of aggravated identity theft.

She is scheduled to plead guilty under the terms of an agreement with federal prosecutors.

The indictment alleges that she deposited two forged checks into a Wachovia Bank account, one written for $86,786.54 in September 2002 and one for $185,000 in January 2005.

Both checks were drawn on an account holding money from the estate of Florence C. Williams, who died in 2002.

Latney was the executor of the estate. Boone was the only employee in Latney’s law practice in Richmond.

Boone is charged with bank fraud for the two alleged forged checks and with identity theft for allegedly using Williams’ name on them.

Authorities said Latney was “totally taken aback” when authorities discovered the missing money. That was after authorities started to investigate complaints from the Williams family about how long it was taking to settle the $420,000 estate.

Authorities have said they believe Boone kept Latney from seeing letters about the Williams estate and replied to some of them herself, forging Latney’s signature. They think she erased some voice-mail telephone messages and accepted court summonses for Latney without telling him.

UPDATE: From the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Lawyer’s aide pleads guilty to fraud:

Shelia Mae Boone pleaded guilty this afternoon to one count of bank fraud for embezzling money from an escrow account kept by Harvey Latney Jr., the lawyer she worked for.

Latney, besides having a private law practice, works part-time as commonwealth’s attorney for Caroline County.

Boone, 49, of Caroline, was charged in U.S. District Court with two counts of bank fraud and with one of agravated identity theft.

Under her agreement with the U.S. attorney, Boone pleaded to the single count and stipulated that the loss from her fraudulent actions is $92,930.42.

Boone, who was the only employee in Latney’s law practice, admitted writing checks drawn on Latney’s bank accounts maintained for clients. The activity started in 2004 and lasted at least until November 2006.

The maximum possible prison term for bank fraud is 30 years. Boone’s penalty will likely be much less at her sentencing, scheduled for Feb. 8.

Justice in Caroline? Nope, just nolle prosequis. Part 6, the drug problem.

From CBS 6 (WTVR) in Richmond, Virginia (March 31, 2004): Caroline County Police Make Drug Arrests:

Caroline County authorities raided two homes, seizing the largest amount of cash in the county’s history. Two brothers are charged with possession and distribution of cocaine as a result of those raids just before five a-m on Saturday. Sheriff Tony Lippa says the cash at one location was approximately 48-thousand dollars in Ruther Glen. An additional 22-thousand dollars was seized at the residence in Bowling Green. Thirty-seven-year-old Dimitri Myers and his 31-year-old brother Corey are being held in the Pamunkey Regional jail on no bond. Lippa says this is the third time the pair have been charged with this offense. Authorities also seized marijuana, hash, heroin, crack cocaine and pills suspected to be ecstasy. Lippa says the investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending.

  • Dimitri Myers’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • August 8, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Possession of controlled substance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of controlled substance.
    • April 5, 2002, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Driving under the influence.
    • February 22, 2002, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of marijuana.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possessing firearm with drugs.
      • Nolle prosequi – Convicted felon possessing firearm.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
    • September 10, 1998, Hanover County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Failure to wear seat belt.
    • April 24, 1998, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Driving on suspended license.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of scale.
      • Nolle prosequi – Obstruction of law enforcement
  • Corey Myers’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • September 29, 2004, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
    • June 8, 2004, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Felony eluding.
      • Guilty – Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
      • Guilty – Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
      • Guilty – Possession of controlled substance.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Distribution of heroin.
      • Guilty – Felony possession of marijuana.
    • March 31, 2004, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
      • Nolle prosequi – Obstruction of justice.
      • Nolle prosequi – Defective equipment.
      • Nolle prosequi –  Reckless driving.
      • Nolle prosequi – Driving under the influence.
    • May 19, 2000, Caroline County General District:
      • Prepaid – Failure to stop at stop sign.
      • Guilty – No motorcycle operator’s license.
      • Guilty – 72/55 speeding.
    • October 31, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
      • Nolle prosequi – Driving under the influence.
    • May 23, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Prepaid – No county decal.
    • August 31, 1994, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

From the AP via CBS 6 (WTVR) in Richmond, Virginia (January 3, 2005): Caroline County Family Drug Bust:

Authorities have a charged a Caroline County family on numerous drug charges and have seized drugs, their home and six vehicles in the process. Authorities raided the Stevens family home last week. They found crack cocaine, Ecstasy pills and three bags of heroin. Five members of the Stevens family, 57-year-old Irvin, 54-year-old Gloria, 26 year-old Saleem, 24-year-old Shane and 21-year-old Sherenda all face multiple counts off possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin and Ecstasy. Each of them also face firearms violations. Irvin and Gloria Stevens also face counts maintaining a common nuisance. The Stevens home was scene of a drug bust in July. Gloria Stevens has been released on 75-hundred dollars bond. The remaining family members are being held in the Pamunkey Regional Jail without bond.

  • Irvin Stevens’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • May 22, 2007, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty (appealing to Court of Appeals of Virginia) – Distribution of cocaine.
    • March 14, 2007, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
    • June 13, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
    • June 24, 2005, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of Schedule I/II drug.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of controlled substance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Conspiracy to violate Drug Control Act.
      • Nolle prosequi – Maintain common nuisance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of controlled substance with firearm.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of heroin.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of ecstacy.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
    • September 24, 2004, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of Schedule I/II drug with intent to distribute.
      • Nolle prosequi – Maintain fortified drug house.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of Schedule I/II drug with intent to distribute.
  • Gloria Stevens’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • June 24, 2005, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Conspiracy to violate Drug Control Act.
      • Nolle prosequi – Maintain common nuisance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of controlled substance with firearm.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of heroin.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of ecstacy.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
  • Saleem Stevens’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • July 10, 2007, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of controlled substance.
    • June 24, 2005, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of Schedule I/II drug.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of Schedule I/II drugs.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of controlled substance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Conspiracy to violate Drug Control Act.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of controlled substance with firearm.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of ecstacy.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of heroin.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
  • Shane Stevens’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • March 14, 2007, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of MDA.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
    • June 13, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of MDMA.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of cocaine.
    • June 24, 2005, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Conspiracy to violate Drug Control Act.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
      • Nolle prosequi – Reckless driving.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of controlled substance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of heroin.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of ecstacy.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of ecstacy.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of cocaine.
    • May 22, 2002, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
    • October 20, 1999, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Brandishing firearm.
      • Guilty – Maiming.
    • September 3, 1999, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of firearm with drugs.
      • Nolle prosequi – Show cause – failure to comply with pretrial conditions.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
  • Sherenda Stevens’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • February 16, 2007, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Voluntary manslaughter.
    • May 19, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
      • Nolle prosequi – Maliciously shooting.
    • April 25, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Possession of cocaine [knock back from distribution of cocaine].
      • Guilty – Possession of cocaine [knock back from distribution of cocaine].
    • June 24, 2005, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Conspiracy to violate Drug Control Act.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of ecstacy.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of heroin.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of controlled substance with firearm.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
    • December 10, 2004, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Possession of marijuana.
    • September 24, 2004, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of Schedule I/II drug with intent to distribute.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of Schedule I/II drug with intent to distribute.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of Schedule I/II drug with intent to distribute.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
    • October 26, 2001, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Maiming.
      • Guilty – Assault and battery.

Good one Harvey! She just ended up killing someone! Justice has been served in Caroline County!

From Caroline County, VA JUSTICE (January 24, 2006): Caroline Sheriff’s office strikes again!:

Search Warrant Executed/Arrests Made

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, an ongoing criminal investigation of illegal drug activity led to the execution of a search warrant at 16020 Frances Ave. Milford, VA. Several Sheriff’s Office personnel were involved in the execution of the warrant to which the deputies found ½ ounce of powdered cocaine, 4-5 ounces of marijuana, digital scales, packaging materials, and U. S. currency.

The following arrests were made:

Name Age Address Charges

Edward Arrington

25

Milford, VA

Possession with the intent

To distribute Marijuana &

Cocaine

Joseph Hodge

26

Fredericksburg, VA

Possession of Marijuana

Possession of Cocaine

Billy Jackson

32

Fredericksburg, VA

Possession of Marijuana

The investigation was centered on drug activity which was reported to the Sheriff’s Office, “I am pleased with the information given to us by the concerned citizens of Caroline County and I want to thank them for their help which enhances our continued war on drugs in our community” stated Lippa.

This investigation is continuing.

  • Edward Arrington’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • May 23, 2007, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
    • October 10, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
    • March 10, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of Schedule I/II drug.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of marijuana.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
    • February 11, 2004, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Possession of drug paraphernalia [knock back from felony possession of cocaine].
      • Guilty – Possession of marijuana as an accommodation [knock back from felony distribution of marijuana].
    • May 23, 2003, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of a controlled substance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of marijuana.
    • April 18, 2003, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Obscene display.
    • August 9, 2002, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Possession of marijuana.
    • November 9, 2001, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Obstruction of justice.
    • July 27, 2001, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Underage consumption.
    • March 4, 1999, Hanover General District:
      • Guilty – Underage possession of alcohol.

From Caroline County, VA JUSTICE (April 2, 2006): Sheriff Lippa’s TEAM nabs another of America’s most wanted!:

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, on April 1st, 2006 at approximately 1:00 am, Deputy D. W. Mundie was patrolling the Carmel Church area when he observed a 1999 Toyota drive off Welcome Way Lane. As the Deputy activated his emergency equipment, a short pursuit followed as the driver attempted to elude the Deputy. The vehicle crashed on Jericho Road near Rt. 1. Sergeant Cary, Deputies Crowder, Dip, and Melson assisted Deputy Mundie in the apprehension of the driver. The driver was later flown to VCU Medical Center where he is recovering from non-fatal injuries. Upon his release, he will be transported to the Pamunkey Regional Jail.

The driver was later identified as Shane Christian Upright: 40 years of age with the last known Virginia address of 1815 Core Ave. # 3 Norfolk VA. He is believed to be a resident of Currituck County, NC.

On April 1, 2006, Deputy D. W. Mundie obtained warrants for the following charges against Shane Upright:

  1. Possession of Marijuana
  2. Possession of a Firearm after being a convicted felon
  3. Possession of a concealed weapon
  4. Felony attempt to Elude a police officer
  5. Reckless driving
  6. No Valid Operators License

Upright was driving a vehicle that was reported stolen from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Trooper Davis of the Virginia State Police is handling the crash along with the recovery of this vehicle, according to Sheriff Lippa.

The Caroline County Sheriff’s Office also served outstanding warrants from Virginia Beach, VA on Upright this morning for a robbery, malicious wounding, and being in possession of burglary tools.

“I am very proud of Deputy Mundie and credit him with excellent police work. Deputy Mundie’s, observations and initiative allowed him to capture a criminal who appears to be a suspect in other crimes that stem from assault by strangulation in Currituck County, North Carolina to a bank robbery in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It appears to me that Upright was looking to commit a crime in the Carmel Church area, but thanks to Deputy Mundie’s proactive approach the businesses and citizens of Caroline County were safe last night from this perpetrator.”

  • Shane Christian Upright’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • October 23, 2006, Virginia Beach Circuit:
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Violation of probation.
      • Guilty – Robbery.
      • Guilty – Grand larceny of a motor vehicle.
    • May 12, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Concealed weapon.
      • Guilty – Possession of stolen vehicle.
      • Guilty – Reckless driving.
      • Guilty – No driver’s license.
      • Nolle prosequi – Transport of firearm by felon.
      • Nolle prosequi – Eluding.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
    • October 29, 1996, Virginia Beach Circuit:
      • Guilty – Grand larceny.
      • Guilty – False pretense.

From WFLS News (May 8, 2006): Caroline’s drug bust:

A joint drug investigation in Caroline County leads to a total of 16 people arrested.

Sheriff Tony Lippa says after a almost a year of an undercover drug operation, a mass arrest of 14 adults and 2 juveniles started early this morning.

He says the illegal drug activity and suspects are scattered throughout the county.

Most of the perpetrators are charged with distribution of cocaine.

Lippa also says the investigation is still ongoing with more arrests possible.

Michael Acors, 26, Bowling Green

Edward Arrington, 25, Milford

Randall Capps, 21, Ruther Glen

Roger Carpenter, 38, Woodford

Phillip Jones, 47, Ruther Glen

Lewis “Buggy” Reynolds 47, King George

Jermaine Shepherd 27, Ruther Glen

Joseph Woolfolk, 47, Woodford

  • Michael Acors’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • February 5, 2007, Fredericksburg Circuit:
      • Guilty – Forgery.
      • Guilty – Obtain money by false pretenses.
      • Guilty – Uttering counterfeit check.
      • Guilty – Felony shoplifting.
    • February 2, 2007, Spotsylvania County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Forgery.
    • January 31, 2007, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Forgery of check.
    • October 30, 2006, Hanover County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Forgery of check.
      • Guilty – Uttering of check.
    • October 24, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Forgery of check.
      • Nolle prosequi – Uttering of check.
      • Nolle prosequi – Uttering of check.
      • Nolle prosequi – Uttering of check.
      • Nolle prosequi – Forgery of check.
    • April 3, 2006, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Possession of marijuana.
      • Guilty – Failure to appear for trial.
      • Guilty – Driving while intoxicated.
    • March 19, 1998, Hanover County General District:
      • Guilty – Possession of marijuana.
    • October 10, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Larceny of bank note.
      • Guilty – Petit larceny.
      • Guilty – Petit larceny.
  • Edward Arrington’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • May 23, 2007, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
    • October 10, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
    • March 10, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of Schedule I/II drug.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of marijuana.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
    • February 11, 2004, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Possession of drug paraphernalia [knock back from felony possession of cocaine].
      • Guilty – Possession of marijuana as an accommodation [knock back from felony distribution of marijuana].
    • May 23, 2003, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of a controlled substance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of marijuana.
    • April 18, 2003, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Obscene display.
    • August 9, 2002, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Possession of marijuana.
    • November 9, 2001, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Obstruction of justice.
    • July 27, 2001, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Underage consumption.
    • March 4, 1999, Hanover General District:
      • Guilty – Underage possession of alcohol.
  • Randall Capps’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • November 14, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
    • November 5, 2003, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Own vicious dog.
      • Guilty – Allow dog to run at large.
  • Roger Carpenter’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • May 22, 2007, Spotsylvania General District:
      • Guilty – Possession of marijuana.
      • Guilty – Driving on suspended license.
    • January 31, 2007, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Manufacturing marijuana.
      • Guilty – Distribution of Schedule IV controlled substance.
    • October 26, 2006, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty – Driving on suspended license.
      • Guilty – Failure to appear for arraignment.
    • August 8, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of Schedule III controlled substance.
    • October 5, 2005, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Manufacturing marijuana.
      • Nolle prosequi – Manufacturing controlled substance.
    • May 17, 2001, Spotsylvania General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Speeding 70/55.
      • Guilty in absentia – Safety belt violation.
    • February 4, 1999, Stafford County General District:
      • Guilty – Bad Check $185.10.
    • June 29, 1998, Spotsylvania General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Driving on suspended operator’s license.
      • Guilty in absentia – Reckless driving: 75/55
      • Guilty in absentia – No valid state inspection.
    • September 3, 1997, Stafford County General District:
      • Guilty – Petty [sic] larceny.
  • Phillip Jones’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • July 25, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Possession of cocaine [knock back from distribution of cocaine].
    • November 23, 2004, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Operating uninspected vehicle.
    • August 22, 2003, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
    • December 5, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Failure to stop at accident.
  • Lewis Reynolds’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • June 18, 2007, Spotsylvania County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Habitual offender.
      • Guilty – Obstruction of justice.
    • April 10, 2007, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
    • February 15, 2007, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty – Failure to appear.
      • Guilty – Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
    • September 8, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Habitual offender second offense.
    • May 12, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Failure to appear – habitual offender.
    • August 12, 2005, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Assault and battery.
    • July 26, 2005, Spotsylvania County Circuit:
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
    • March 21, 2003, Spotsylvania County Circuit:
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
    • October 9, 2002, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
    • August 13, 2002, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Habitual offender [knock back from felony habitual offender violation].
    • June 21, 2002, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Improper registration.
    • February 28, 2001, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
    • November 20, 2000, Spotsylvania County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Habitual offender.
    • August 25, 2000, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Shoplifting.
      • Guilty – Failure to appear for trial.
    • November 7, 1998, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
    • August 14, 1998, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Driving after declared habitual offender.
      • Guilty – Attempt to elude.
      • Guilty – Reckless driving.
      • Guilty – Uninsured vehicle.
      • Guilty – No inspection.
      • Guilty – Seat belt violation.
      • Guilty – No registration.
    • June 24, 1998, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
    • December 3, 1997, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Possession of cocaine.
    • November 14, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Grand larceny.
    • October 15, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Unauthorized use of a vehicle.
      • Nolle prosequi – Petit larceny.
    • August 1, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Habitual offender violation [knock back from felony habitual offender violation].
      • Guilty – Habitual offender violation [knock back from felony habitual offender violation].
    • January 17, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Abduction.
      • Nolle prosequi – Rape.
      • Nolle prosequi – Sodomy.
  • Jermaine Shepherd’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • May 2, 2007, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
    • March 23, 2005, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Driving on revoked license.
    • December 17, 2004, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Service by fraud.
    • November 12, 2004, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Assault and battery.
    • August 15, 2003, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Maiming.
    • January 7, 2000, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Attempted eluding.
      • Nolle prosequi – Underage possession of alcohol.
      • Guilty – Concealed weapon.
      • Guilty – Underage consumption of alcohol.
      • Guilty – Reckless driving.
      • Guilty – Driving on suspender operator’s license.
    • April 23, 1999, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Maiming.
    • November 24, 1998, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Possession of marijuana.
    • November 4, 1998, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Assault and battery.
    • January 6, 1998, Stafford County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Possession of cocaine.
    • October 31, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Drunk in public.
    • September 26, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Assume another’s name.
  • Joseph Woolfolk’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • September 26, 2006, Spotsylvania County Circuit:
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
    • July 11, 2006, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Possession of cocaine [knock back from distribution of cocaine].
    • June 28, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Prepaid – Improper display of plates.
      • Prepaid – Failure to carry registration card.
      • Prepaid – Failure to obtain title.
    • April 14, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – No operator’s license.
      • Guilty – Failure to obtain registration.
      • Guilty – Operating uninsured vehicle.
    • November 22, 2005, Spotsylvania County Circuit:
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
      • Revoked suspended sentence/probation – Show cause.
    • May 18, 2005, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Operating vehicle with expired rejection sticker.
      • Guilty in absentia – Driving without lights.
      • Guilty in absentia – No registration card in possession.
    • April 27, 2005, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Operating uninspected vehicle.
      • Guilty in absentia – Defective equipment.
      • Guilty in absentia – Defective equipment.
    • April 13, 2005, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Improper registration or license.
      • Guilty – Improper use of inspection sticker.
      • Guilty – Defective equipment.
      • Guilty – Knowingly operating uninsured vehicle.
    • March 10, 2005, Spotsylvania County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
      • Guilty – Uttering.
    • July 23, 2004, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Utter bad check.
    • September 4, 2003, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Failure to obey highway sign.
    • July 7, 2000, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Maliciously wounding.
    • April 23, 1999, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Failure to display license.
    • April 24, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Drunk in public.
    • January 21, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Hunting without a license.

More defense attorneys love Harvey Latney…

I wonder why…no, wait, I don’t.

Here’s the list, with a link to the complete PDF at the bottom:

Name: Law Firm Amount of Contribution Certified Court-Appointed Attorney for Caroline County?
Russell Eubank Booker Unknown $500 Yes.
Bowen, Champlin, Corr, Foreman and Rockecharlie Bowen, Champlin, Carr, Foreman and Rockecharlie $500 Yes.
Ramon Chalkley Law Office of R. E. Chalkley, III (formerly of Murphy & Strickland) $100 Yes.
Brian Grossman Crowgey & Grossman $250 No.
Harrison Hubard Hubard, Samuels, & Lewane $100 No.
George Hettrich Unknown $100 No.
Murray Janus Bremner, Janus, Cook, Marcus & Stone $100 No.
Kristie Kane Kristie L. Kane, PLC $100 Yes.
Jean Marie McKeen Tomlin & McKeen $500 Yes.
John Leo Mahoney John L Mahoney, Att-at-Law $500 Yes.
ParisBlank, LLP ParisBlank, LLP $250 No.
James F. Sumpter James F. Sumpter, PC $100 Yes.

$3,100 more from defense attorneys! You’re in fine company there Maxie!

Listen to this gem from Crowgey & [Brian] Grossman’s site:

We believe it is wrong to punish conduct which injures no one and poses no threat to society.

Unfortunately, until the law changes there will continue to be situations where otherwise innocent people find themselves ensnared in the clutches of the legal system facing potentially serious consequences. If you have fallen into such a predicament then you may need the services of an experienced lawyer to help you out of a bad situation

Apparently, this includes drug offenses, drunk driving, traffic accidents, reckless driving, and habitual offender violations according to his own website!

Some information on Murray Janus, from Virginia Business: Top Criminal Defense Lawyer:

When Janus recounts his most significant cases, he points to losses more than wins. It’s all about guts and good lawyering, even though those aren’t always enough to acquit a defendant. In the mid-70s, when the toxic chemical Kepone was dumped in the James River and virtually destroyed the Virginia seafood industry, Allied Chemical hired Janus. In the cases he tried, Allied was acquitted. Janus was champing at the bit to maintain the defense. But awash in a tsunami of bad publicity and facing a growing number of indictments, the client insisted on a plea of no contest to two charges of criminal pollution. The admission led to a $13 million fine, the highest ever awarded in an environmental case in America at the time. In the mid-80s, when the great-grandson of Reynolds Metals’ founder was charged with the violent rapes of three Richmond women, Janus was at the defense table. His client went to jail. But the case epitomized Janus’ reputation for not shying away from a reviled defendant.

Every defense attorney knows that some losses are as good as a win. In 1978, when a half-dozen elected officials were convicted of bribery-related charges and ejected from U.S. Congress in the history-making ABSCAM trials, Janus got the bagman in the case a minimal sentence of a year and a day. Not a win, but not the loss it could’ve been.

Tomlin & [Jean Marie] McKeen refers to themselves as a “DWI Law Firm”.

Oh, and by the way, Ramon Chalkley was also an attorney for Donna Blanton during her first trial and subsequent appeal.

pdficon_small PDF of the complete report.

Oh, I’m going to blush, Part 2

From The Free Lance-Star: Court opponents help support Latney’s race:

Defense attorney Ed Vaughan donated $500 to Caroline County Commonwealth’s Attorney Harvey Latney’s re-election campaign and plans to help Latney out of a bind in his private practice.

Vaughan was one of eight local attorneys or firms who donated to Latney’s campaign. Overall, defense attorneys gave $4,750 of the $5,000 Latney raised over the summer.

The only donor listed on the report who was not a defense attorney was Supervisor Maxie Rozell.

“Anybody who gave Harvey Latney money did so without expectation,” Vaughan said.

All of the attorneys who donated to the campaign have had at least one case in Caroline County in the last six months.

But Latney said money made no difference in how he handled the cases.

“No one is getting any special treatment just because they think I’m the best person for the job,” he said. “These are people who believe in me and believe I’ve done a great job.”

Uh, because you let their clients off?

A review of Caroline Circuit Court cases over the past six months shows a majority of those that involved donating attorneys were reduced, dropped or nol prossed (dismissed with the potential to bring the charge back at a later date).

But so were most of the cases involving attorneys who did not contribute to Latney’s campaign.

And the largest donor was Mark Murphy, who defended Donna Blanton in the slaying of her husband. Latney won a murder conviction in that case, but an appeals court ordered a new trial because of the jury selection.

Tony Spencer, a former Richmond prosecutor opposing Latney in the incumbent’s first contested election in 30 years in office, did not have any donations listed from defense attorneys on his most recent campaign finance report.

Spencer said he doesn’t think contributing attorneys got preferential treatment in Caroline. But he said the high number of dismissals and reductions in charges are a concern.

“With Mr. Latney in office, Caroline County is a defense attorney’s paradise,” he said. “If I were a defense attorney practicing in Caroline County, I’d contribute to Harvey Latney.”

A Richmond attorney who donated $250 to Latney’s election campaign said he did so because he thinks the Caroline justice system is fair and works well.

“I donated to him to maintain status quo,” said John LaFratta, who often works as a court appointed attorney in Caroline. “If I thought he gave preferential treatment, I wouldn’t practice in that court.”

The status quo that all the criminals get off?

Bill Neely, commonwealth’s attorney for neighboring Spotsylvania County, said it is not unusual for defense attorneys to donate to a prosecutor’s campaign.

“You have to raise money where you can,” Neely said.

Though Neely is unopposed this year, he said he sought funds from defense attorneys when he faced challengers in the past.

“I sent solicitations to every member of the bar,” he said.

Vaughan said he thinks the reason the majority of Latney’s campaign funds come from attorneys is because those are the people he sees regularly.

“You look for money from your friends,” Vaughan said. “And his friends happen to be defense attorneys.”

Vaughan also said he plans to give to a fund for Latney’s private law practice because, “You hope people do the right thing in the time of need.”

Latney owes clients about $300,000 for money missing from their estate accounts he was managing in his Richmond-based practice.

His secretary of 27 years, Sheila Boone, is charged with theft. Although Latney is not suspected to be at fault criminally, he is held responsible for repayment. His insurance carrier has refused to cover the loss.

Craig Cooley, a Richmond defense attorney, said he set up the fund and sent a letter soliciting donations because Latney “is not a high-income person but is a very high-integrity person.”

“He was victimized by a trusted employee,” Cooley said. “It could happen to any of us.”

Cooley also said he felt the fundraiser would have no effect on treatment in Caroline courts.

The only client Cooley has represented in Caroline Circuit Court was John Ames, who was charged with killing his neighbor in a dispute over a bull. Ames pleaded self-defense and was acquitted after a trial.

Cooley would not say how many people he sent the letter to, how many have donated or how much money has been raised.

Why not? Scared of what might come out if you released the information?

He said he doesn’t plan to try any more cases in Caroline anytime soon.

Oh, I’m going to blush

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Attorney raising funds for prosecutor:

A well-known Richmond defense attorney is soliciting donations to help Caroline County Commonwealth’s Attorney Harvey Latney Jr. repay $300,000 that the prosecutor’s longtime secretary is accused of stealing from a client.

Craig S. Cooley, who has opposed Latney in the courtroom in the past, said yesterday that he sent out the letter because Latney “is perhaps the most respected attorney and human being that I know.”

“It could happen to any one of us,” Cooley said of the theft from an estate for which Latney, who also maintains a private law practice, was the executor.

Cooley said Latney is a fair and honest professional and that Cooley would not expect preferential treatment in his dealings with the prosecutor. Still, Cooley added, “I don’t know that I would take any case at this point in which he was the prosecutor” now that Cooley is soliciting money for Latney.

In 2004, Cooley won acquittal for John F. Ames, a Caroline cattleman and bankruptcy attorney, during a murder trial that Latney prosecuted. Ames had said he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot his neighbor during a dispute over a wayward bull.

While Cooley would not say how much he has contributed to the repayment fund or say who has donated money, campaign finance reports show that several attorneys have given money to Latney’s separate re-election campaign, including some defense attorneys who oppose him in court. One of them, Mark Murphy, gave $1,500, making him the top contributor to Latney’s campaign to date, based on the reports.

Cooley said yesterday that he sent the letter Sept. 20 to a select number of defense attorneys, prosecutors and others, though he would not specify to whom or how many people. Cooley said the fund drive has nothing to do with Latney’s re-election campaign, and he lamented that the letter had been posted on a blog maintained by a supporter of Latney’s opponent, Tony Spencer. Cooley confirmed the authenticity of the letter.

If it’s on the up and up, then what’s the problem?

Spencer, a former Richmond deputy commonwealth’s attorney, said yesterday that a copy of Cooley’s letter had been given to him and that he provided a copy to a supporter.

“I hold Craig Cooley in high esteem. I believe everything he does comes from a pure motive. But it would come as no surprise to anyone that the criminal defense bar would like to see Harvey Latney re-elected,” Spencer said.

Spencer has accused Latney of routinely agreeing to an excessive number of plea deals that result in dropped or reduced charges. Efforts to reach Latney by telephone and in person at his office in Bowling Green yesterday were unsuccessful.

Murphy, the top contributor to Latney’s campaign, represents Donna L. Blanton, a Caroline woman who won a retrial for her conviction in the October 2003 slaying of her law-enforcement husband. Blanton’s new trial is scheduled to start Nov. 29. Murphy represented her during her initial trial as well.

Murphy said yesterday that Latney is a longtime friend and an ardent advocate for the people of Caroline.

“I think he does a fantastic job for that community,” he said. “That’s to the point of absurdity that anybody would think that” a campaign contribution would affect the way a case is handled.

In the Blanton and Ames cases, Latney opposed defense motions, by Murphy and Cooley, respectively, seeking bond for the defendants pending trial. A judge granted Ames bond, but not Blanton.

No, Latney didn’t oppose bond for John Ames, he was paraphrased as saying, “Cooley’s request for a $50,000 bond was too low and that if Ames was released, he should be on court-ordered pretrial supervision.”

In his letter to colleagues, Cooley wrote that Latney’s insurance does not cover theft but that Latney plans to challenge the insurer in court. Cooley wrote that the secretary, Sheila M. Boone, appears unlikely to be able to pay restitution to the clients and that Latney is ultimately responsible to his clients.

“We have long known Harvey to be a man of honor and integrity and an underpaid but devoted public servant,” Cooley wrote. “He needs our help.”

Boone was initially indicted in Richmond Circuit Court, but her case has been turned over to federal authorities. She is scheduled to be tried Nov. 5 in U.S. District Court on charges that she embezzled thousands of dollars from an estate being handled by Latney.

John Ames’s defense attorney soliciting contributions for Harvey Latney

From Craig S. Cooley (PDF link below):

I write on behalf of our mutual friend, Harvey Latney, Jr..

As you are probably aware, a few months ago Harvey learned that his longtime trusted legal assistant had stolen funds from client accounts. These thefts occurred from an estate account, as well as his trust account, and his personal earnings. The assistant has been indicted but the disposition of the stolen funds is unknown and it appears she is unable to make any restitution.

Harvey’s malpractice insurance carrier denies coverage from theft. He will litigate that coverage question in Richmond Circuit Court, but even if he prevails, the insurance coverage is inadequate and this process is time consuming.

The client losses appear to be nearly $300,000.00. Harvey does not have the personal resources to repay these losses. Obviously, despite the fact the losses result from theft, he is ultimately responsible to his clients. Of course, he depends upon his continued professional practice for income and it now appears his ability to continue practicing law may depend on quickly repaying these client losses.

We have long known Harvey to be a man of honor and integrity and an underpaid but devoted public servant. He needs our help.

Therefore, I am asking that you consider a donation to assist in the immediate repayment of these client losses. Please send any amount you can afford, payable to “Craig S. Cooley, Trust Account” so that we can keep clear records of all contributions and document all payments made to Harvey’s clients. Please reference “Harvey Latney Client Restitution” on the memo of your check.

Thank you for your help. Please let me know of any other citizen or member of the Bar that I should contact for this purpose. With kindest personal regards, I am

Very truly yours,
[Signed]
Craig S. Cooley

This is the same Craig S. Cooley that represented John Ames in his first-degree murder trial. This is the same Craig Cooley that managed to secure bond for someone charged with first-degree murder. He managed to secure bond for someone that had previously been charged with attempting to run over a Virginia State Trooper! Charges that Latney nolle prossed! Why is it that Latney didn’t mind Ames being released on bond but both Donna Blanton and Thomas Monroe (both also charged with first-degree murder) were denied bond?

pdficon_smallPDF of letter (recipient’s name and address redacted).

Who do defense attorneys want as Commonwealth’s Attorney in Caroline County?

Why, Harvey Latney, of course; at least, that’s if you go by contributions to his campaign.

Latney has so far received $4,750 in campaign contributions from defense attorneys this election.

A special one to note is Mark A. Murphy (who donated $1,500), a partner of the Law Office of Murphy & Strickland, who is currently representing Donna Blanton. She is charged with the first-degree murder of her husband Taylor Blanton, a twenty-three (23) year veteran and a first sergeant of the Virginia State Police. A complete breakdown is below:

Name: Law Firm Amount of Contribution Certified Court-Appointed Attorney for Caroline County?
George Davis George H. Davis, III, P.C. $500 Yes.
John Lafratta Main Street Law Offices $250 Yes.
Steve Marks Steven M Marks, Att-at-Law $500 Yes.
Mark A. Murphy Law Office of Murphy & Strickland $1,500 No.
Robert Reibach Chucker & Reibach $500 No.
Kristina Fitzgerald The Law Office of Kristina K. Fitzgerald $500 Yes.
Ed Vaughn Ed Vaughn, Attorney at Law $500 Yes.
Woodbridge, Ventura, and Kelly Woodbridge, Ventura and Kelly, P.C. $500 Yes, Yes, Yes.

pdficon_small PDF (2.94mb) of the Campaign Finance Report for July through August.

*Snicker* The poor woman…

From The Free Lance-Star: Theft case moves to feds to prosecute [emphasis mine]:

A Caroline County woman accused of stealing money from the private law firm of Caroline’s chief prosecutor is now under federal indictment.

Shelia [sic] Boone, 49, is charged with two federal counts of bank fraud and one of aggravated identity theft.

As a result of the federal charges, state embezzlement charges were dropped yesterday, said Richmond city prosecutor Sangeeta Darji.

Darji said the identity theft charge would carry a mandatory two-year minimum jail term if Boone is convicted.

Boone was a secretary for Harvey Latney, who is Caroline County’s commonwealth’s attorney and also runs a private law firm in Richmond. She is accused of stealing money–at least $271,000–from clients at Latney’s private law firm. She has charges in Caroline County.

Latney is not suspected of any wrongdoing. Boone no longer works for him, although she is still listed as his secretary on Caroline County’s government Web page. Boone is alleged to have forged Latney’s signature on checks to herself from an estate account.

The fraud was discovered when the commissioner of accounts, who oversees estates in escrow like this one was, did not receive reports from Latney on what was going on with the estate.

[…]

Boone’s federal court date has been set for Nov. 5 before Judge Henry Hudson.