By Shawn Nowlin
As Christmas approaches, former Roanoke City councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr. recently received the best gift he could ask for: an official state prison release date of Dec. 28.
Even when he is released, that doesn’t change his legal jeopardy reality. In addition to serving five years of probation, Jeffrey must also repay $216,027.83 in restitution. That dollar amount was what a jury of his peers said he owes the city of Roanoke and the Northwest Neighborhood Environment Organization.
In June 2022, Jeffrey entered a plea of no contest to a charge of embezzlement, but was found guilty of obtaining money by false pretenses. Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Sheri Mason accused Jeffrey of using the money to fuel a lavish style. Said Jeffrey’s father at the time, “I love my son. Intent has to matter. He did not set out to intentionally hurt people. He did not set out to steal.”
During the first trial, no substantial evidence was offered by Jeffrey. After 25 minutes of deliberation, a jury found him guilty. Although a prison term of eight years was imposed, Roanoke Circuit Court Judge David Carsen said Jeffrey would spend 30 months behind bars with the remaining time being suspended.
A condition of his probation’s success will be compliance. If he violates his arrangement, returning to prison to serve more time will be the most likely outcome.
When the news became public, opinions were all over the place. Some steadfastly maintain that Jeffrey’s actions did not warrant any consequences. Others feel that his sentencing was incredibly lenient.
Upon completion of 65 percent of a prison sentence, Virginia law mandates the State Department of Corrections release prisoners convicted of less serious crimes. Jeffrey, the publisher of ColorsVA Magazine, served his time at the Greensville Correctional Center.
Jeffrey’s release from state prison gives him an opportunity to get his life back on track. What happens next for the Hampton University graduate will ultimately come down to his decisions moving forward.
