Va. chief justice’s daughter convicted of shoplifting in Henrico

A substitute judge convicted Joanna I. Hassell of shoplifting yesterday and suspended a 30-day sentence.

Substitute General District Judge Steven H. Helvin rejected efforts by Hassell's lawyer to acknowledge she took the clothing but to delay consideration of the case to a future date.

Henrico Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Michael Huberman said the move was designed to eventually have the charge dismissed.

Hassell, the 18-year-old daughter of Leroy R. Hassell Sr., the chief justice of the state Supreme Court, left Macy's at Regency Square mall April 11 without paying for several items of clothing. The clothes were valued at $71.97.

Hassell, a Deep Run High School graduate and student at the University of Virginia, had performed more than 100 hours of community service before her trial yesterday.

Helvin, of Charlottesville, was named to hear the case after Henrico General District judges recused themselves.

-- Bill McKelway