Robbery victim retains lawyer for suspect

POQUOSON, Va., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The new attorney for a Virginia man accused of robbery says he was hired by his client's grandmother, the alleged victim.

Attorney George Brooks said in York-Poquoson Circuit Court Tuesday he was retained last week by Shelba McNeely to represent her grandson, Allen Blake McNeely, who is accused of robbing her Feb. 27, the Newport News (Va.) Daily Press reported.

Authorities allege Allen Blake McNeely, 21, and Cody Richard Hill, 20, robbed McNeely's 65-year-old grandmother of prescription medications the same night the pair allegedly stole a flight bag from an area shed.

Hill is currently completing a community drug rehabilitation program and facing a deferred sentencing after pleading guilty to related charges in August.

For his alleged participation in the two February thefts, the younger McNeely is facing charges of robbery, grand larceny and unlawful wearing of a mask in public.

Authorities allege Shelba McNeely hid a bag containing possible evidence from the shed burglary on behalf of her grandson. The Daily Press said the bag was discovered during an April 29 search of her home.