A Norfolk man who burglarized a Bayview home while the owner was away last year has been sentenced to three years in prison, following a plea deal and a no-show at his original court date.
In court Friday, 37-year-old Timothy Alan Newell was sentenced to three years behind bars, with seven more years suspended. He must also pay $4,000 in restitution to the homeowner and follow strict post-release conditions, including one year of supervision and three years of good behavior.
Here’s what happened:
Back in March 2024, the homeowner was out of town when a friend checking on her house on East Bayview Boulevard found the back door open and signs of a break-in. During a video call walkthrough, the homeowner confirmed the burglary: thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry, clothing, and even a family member’s car had been stolen.
Just one day later, Chesapeake Police spotted the stolen vehicle. Newell was behind the wheel.
When officers pulled him over, they found roughly $6,000 in cash in his jacket—divided into envelopes with the homeowner’s handwriting on them. He was also wearing her jewelry and shirt. Adding to the bizarre nature of the crime, the homeowner later discovered Newell had left behind his wallet inside her home.
Legal fallout
On April 1, 2025, Newell pleaded guilty to burglary and grand larceny, with another charge dropped as part of the agreement. He was due back in court for sentencing on June 27, but he never showed up.
A warrant was issued, and authorities found and arrested him in August. He was finally sentenced on October 3.
“Breaking into someone’s home is more than just a ‘property crime,’” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “Mr. Newell took advantage of the victim’s absence, and… he assailed her sense of safety and security.”
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Abigail Ottinger handled sentencing. Norfolk Police Detective John Schraft Jr. led the investigation.