Judge accepts plea in $600,000 electronics theft from city of Norfolk
Nov 20, 2024
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The former security guard accused of stealing $600,000 in laptops and cell phones from Norfolk's Department of Human Services pleaded guilty Wednesday morning in Norfolk Circuit Court.
Anthony Stateman, 38, pleaded guilty to 10 felony counts of larceny over $1,000 with intent to sell. He was previously released after a bond appeal, which the judge remarked on.
'I'm surprised to see him on bond on these charges," she said.
As part of the plea, Stateman will have to pay the city back for at least some of the stolen goods, with the exact amount not discussed in court. The judge referred to it as "a whopping amount of restitution."
She asked Stateman directly if he had a stash of money from selling the devices, to which he answered no.
"[This is] a very significant amount of restitution, ... probably something you'll be working on paying off for multiple years," she said.
Two city employees were present in the courtroom and spoke briefly. They said that the thefts went unnoticed for months because the building was under renovation.
A sentencing date was set for Jan. 17.