Man Pleads Guilty to Grand Larceny After Stealing HVAC Units He Previously Installed at Norfolk Apartment Complex in 2023

NORFOLK, Va. – Kenneth Alvin Riddick, 56, was convicted of grand larceny on Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to stealing HVAC units last year from an apartment complex where he worked.

Mr. Riddick was an independent contractor who was responsible for installing and repairing HVAC units at the Poplar Hall Apartments complex. On Nov. 25, three units were reported stolen that Mr. Riddick had previously installed in a part of the complex that was under renovation. The apartment manager later obtained video surveillance showing Mr. Riddick stealing the three units. After the manager confronted Mr. Riddick, Mr. Riddick confessed to the thefts, and Norfolk Police secured a charge against Mr. Riddick for grand larceny.

Mr. Riddick pleaded guilty as charged on Wednesday, and Judge Tasha D. Scott accepted his plea agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Riddick will be screened for participation in the Norfolk Drug Court therapeutic program. If Mr. Riddick does not qualify or fails to complete that program, he will face up to two years in prison. Mr. Riddick’s sentencing hearing is docketed for July 26.

“Mr. Riddick is suffering from substance-use disorder, but that does not give him an excuse to steal from the very people who had given him honest work,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “Mr. Riddick has accepted responsibility for his crime and is seeking the help we wish to give him to address his substance-use disorder, rehabilitate himself, and lead a productive life. I hope that he makes the most of that opportunity. If he does not, we will protect the community by asking that Mr. Riddick serve time in custody.”

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Anthony J. Balady is prosecuting Mr. Riddick’s case on behalf of the Commonwealth, and Norfolk Police Detective Lionel G. Jackson III led the investigation.

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