Louisa man pleads guilty to credit card scheme

A Louisa County man has admitted to being involved in a credit card scheme that preyed on people who were staying at local motels.

Elvin Charles Bridget Jr., 30, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Albemarle County Circuit Court to two counts of credit card forgery. Bridget entered the pleas as part of a plea agreement for charges in Charlottesville and Albemarle.

Betty Lou Bridget, 49, whom Elvin Bridget identified as his wife, was supposed to have a trial on Tuesday on two credit card forgery charges. According to the court’s online records, Betty Lou Bridget is scheduled to be sentenced on the charges on Nov. 24 in Albemarle Circuit Court.

The Bridgets and 42-year-old Alfred Sylvester Fortune Jr. all were charged in connection with the incidents. Elliot Casey, assistant commonwealth’s attorney, said in court that two people staying in Charlottesville motels reported that two men knocked on their door to look at their heating systems.

After the men left a woman’s room on Dec. 29, she told police that her purse was missing. Authorities said her American Express credit card was used to buy items at Food Lion and Toys “R” Us.

On Jan. 6, a man staying in a city motel told police that two men came to his room for the same purpose, but one of them punched him. The victim’s Discover Card was used at two gas stations.

Casey said in court that authorities learned the vehicle that the group was using was owned by Betty Lou Bridget. Police identified the group using the card through surveillance video.

Elvin Bridget said in court that it was in his best interest to plead guilty.

“I mean, I am guilty of the charges,” he said.

Circuit Judge Cheryl Higgins accepted the plea agreement. Under Elvin Bridget’s plea agreement, further charges won’t be brought against the defendant. There is no agreement as to sentencing, which means Elvin Bridget could face up to 20 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

According to court records, Fortune pleaded guilty to two counts of credit card forgery and will be sentenced Oct. 14 in Albemarle Circuit Court.

Betty Lou Bridget previously pleaded guilty in Charlottesville Circuit Court to two counts each of credit card forgery and credit card theft. She is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 24.

Elvin Bridget is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3.