Judge sentences Reyes to jail time, fine

Circuit Court Judge John R. Cullen formally adopted the sentencing recommendation Monday of the 12-person jury that found Jiminez Jesus Reyes guilty of one count of malicious wounding, one count of assault and battery and two counts of identity theft.

 According to Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Dale Durrer, a 12-person jury heard the case and found Reyes guilty on all charges. The jury recommended a five-year prison sentence on the malicious wounding charge, a $500 fine on the assault and battery charge and a six-month jail sentence on each of the identity theft charges.  Under Virginia law, a Circuit Court judge can suspend a portion of the recommended sentence but cannot increase it.

 Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Paul Walther asked the court not to disturb the jury's verdict.  Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Close argued that, "This case resulted in serious injuries and the jury made a sound sentencing recommendation that sends a message."

 When Culpeper County Sheriff's deputies arrived at the 13000 block of Eggbornsville Road May 20, they found the victim, Adan Fernandez, lying in the front yard bleeding profusely from a three-inch wound to the left side of his chest.

He also had lacerations to his thumb and arm, and a dislocated elbow. Before rescue crews airlifted Fernandez from the scene, he told investigators that Reyes had cut him and was in a nearby residence.

 When deputies entered Reyes' house, they found numerous broken beer bottles and blood throughout the house.  Reyes had just stepped from the shower and was holding bloody clothes. 

In Reyes' room, investigators found two fake documents: a permanent resident card and a social security card.  Reyes admitted the documents were fake.

 Fernandez testified that he was talking on his phone when Reyes, a fellow housemate, entered his room and asked if he wanted to fight.  They argued, then Reyes bit Fernandez's thumb and started breaking bottles in an adjacent room.  As Fernandez tried to leave the house, Reyes slashed him in the chest and on his arm with a broken bottle.  It took about 80 staples to close his wounds, which appeared defensive in nature.

After Reyes completes his sentence, the Department of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement will begin deportation proceedings.