July 3, 2019 News Release from Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Tracci

Earlier today, visiting Albemarle County Circuit Court Judge Humes J. Franklin, Jr. sentenced Danielle Messineo, of Madison, to ten and a half years active incarceration for three counts of Grand Larceny and three counts of Forgery.

The court received evidence that Messineo posed as one of her own relatives when applying to be the caretaker of the victim in this case. The victim is quadriplegic, having lost use of the legs and having very limited use of the arms as a result of an accident. Over the course of several months, Messineo forged checks and stole money from the victim.

The sentencing guidelines recommended a range mid-point of two and half years active incarceration. Given the scope and length of the criminal conduct, the defendant’s position of trust as a caretaker, the vulnerability of the victim, and prior conduct, the Commonwealth requested an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines. Judge Franklin imposed an active period of incarceration of ten and half years: ten years on each Grand Larceny charge, with all but 3 years suspended on each; and five years with all but six months suspended on each Forgery charge for a total active prison sentence of ten and a half years.

Following the sentencing, Albemarle Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Tracci stated:

“This office will continue to seek justice for victims by targeting, prosecuting, and seeking full criminal accountability for those who abuse or exploit vulnerable members of our community.”

The University of Virginia Police Department was the lead investigative agency in this case.