Commonwealth v. Matthew Terrell Whitney; 25 Years to Serve for Repeated Sexual Abuse of Minor

Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth's Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced today that Matthew Terrell Whitney, age 54, formerly of the 2300 block of Meadows Landing in Chesapeake, Virginia, was sentenced today for Custodial Indecent Liberties (4 counts) and Carnal Knowledge of a Minor (4 counts). Circuit Court Judge Les L. Lilley sentenced Whitney to fifty (50) years in prison with 25 years suspended, leaving 25 years to serve. This sentence is significantly higher than the Virginia State Sentencing Guidelines' recommendation, which called for a sentence no greater than ten (10) years and five (5) months in prison.

Whitney pled guilty on May 25, 2022. Had this matter gone to trial, the Commonwealth's evidence would have proven that between October 1, 2020, and January 10, 2021, Matthew Terrell Whitney sexually abused a minor child known to him on multiple occasions. Eventually a family member of the victim discovered the abuse and police began investigating. In an interview with detectives, Whitney admitted to the sexual abuse.

At the time of this offense, Whitney was required to register as a sex offender, and as part of his probation was prohibited from having contact with minors.

Whitney has prior convictions for Possession of Child Pornography, Battery, and Petit Larceny.

Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Scott M. Lang and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Megan M. Lang prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.