A 19-year-old woman in Norfolk has had her shoplifting charge dismissed after she completed probation and community service requirements, avoiding a criminal record. The incident occurred on January 24, 2024, when the woman, just nine days past her eighteenth birthday, and two friends attempted to steal less than $700 worth of merchandise from a Target store on North Military Highway. Store security detained the group and contacted police, who issued a criminal summons for petit larceny to the newly-turned adult. She had no prior criminal history.
Her initial trial took place in Norfolk General District Court without a prosecutor present—a common occurrence for misdemeanor cases in the region due to limited funding for such positions. The judge found her guilty and sentenced her to two days in jail with the remainder of a month-long sentence suspended if she maintained good behavior for one year. She appealed to Norfolk Circuit Court, where the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office became involved.
In July 2024, an agreement was reached allowing her to plead guilty but avoid conviction if she met certain conditions: maintaining good behavior, completing a larceny prevention course, performing 20 hours of community service at an animal shelter, and staying away from the Target store for one year. Judge Tasha D. Scott accepted this arrangement.
After fulfilling all requirements by October 28, 2025—including staying out of Target and finishing her assigned tasks—the Commonwealth moved to dismiss the charge. Judge David W. Lannetti granted the dismissal.
“Justice is not convicting everyone just because we can. It is also about offering second chances to young people who make mistakes, make amends, and promise to do better,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “The young woman in this case was convicted in District Court because, as in every city in Hampton Roads, most low-level misdemeanor cases go forward without prosecutors present due to a lack of funding from Richmond or from city governments. No prosecutor present means no opportunity for diversion or alternatives, only for conviction and jail. I am glad that we were able in Circuit Court to offer this young woman a chance to do better, and I commend her for making the most of it. My office and I will continue to advocate for adequate funding to have a prosecutor on every case in Norfolk where the accused faces jail, and we will continue to make informed decisions to offer second chances where appropriate and accountability where justice and safety require it.”
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Anthony J. Comento led prosecution efforts while Officer Riza M. Ekmekci conducted the investigation.
