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Amy Argenbright’s Augusta County Circuit Court trial on reported felony construction-fraud charges is scheduled to begin Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The proceeding is set for two days, October 20–21, before Judge Shannon T. Sherrill. The number of charges could change before opening statements, and no verdict or sentence had been reported as of October 17.
When does the Augusta County construction-fraud trial start?
The bench trial is scheduled to start Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and continue Wednesday, October 21, in Augusta County Circuit Court. “Bench trial” means Judge Shannon T. Sherrill will decide the facts and the verdict rather than a jury. The court is part of Virginia’s 25th Judicial Circuit.
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Who is Amy Argenbright?
Argenbright is an Augusta County realtor and the owner of A&Co 2002 LLC. She is the defendant in the construction-fraud case. Assistant Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney Caleb Kramer is prosecuting. Thomas Weidner IV represents Argenbright.
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What money and projects are at issue?
The original indictment
The first indictment, returned in July 2025, alleged that Argenbright received $366,000 to construct a single-family home that was never built. That figure is the specific amount identified in the public reporting about the initial charge.
Two later indictments
After other alleged victims came forward, an Augusta County grand jury returned two additional construction-fraud indictments in November 2025. Available reports describe one project as involving a six-figure sum and another as involving a five-figure sum, but do not state exact amounts for either allegation. The three reported felony counts comprise the original case and those two later indictments, subject to any change announced in court.
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| Reported case development | Amount or scope described | Date |
|---|---|---|
| First indictment | $366,000 allegedly paid for a single-family home that was never built | July 2025 |
| Second indictment | Six-figure construction project; exact amount not stated in available reports | November 2025 |
| Third indictment | Five-figure sum; exact amount not stated in available reports | November 2025 |
Why the case is more than a failed building contract
The central legal question is intent when the money was received. A construction project can fail, run late or end in a civil breach-of-contract lawsuit without automatically becoming a felony. To obtain a criminal construction-fraud conviction, prosecutors must prove the elements of the offense, including that the defendant acted with fraudulent intent rather than merely failing to perform a contract.
Weidner has argued that the dispute belongs in civil court. At a May hearing, he said: “People sue all day long over breach of contract,’’ Weidner argued during a May hearing. The defense position places the alleged nonperformance and any resulting financial loss in the category of a contract dispute, unless the Commonwealth can prove criminal intent beyond the applicable legal standard.
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What prosecutors are expected to present
The Commonwealth expects to call seven witnesses, present extensive financial evidence and rely on testimony from alleged victims. Prosecutors have said the testimony is intended to show “a more human side of the case,” giving the judge evidence about how the alleged transactions affected the people involved.
Issues the judge will likely evaluate
- Intent at the time of payment: whether Argenbright intended to carry out the promised work when funds were accepted.
- Promised work versus completed work: what contracts or representations required and what construction, if any, was actually performed.
- Financial records: how payments were handled and whether records support the parties’ competing explanations.
- Multiple allegations: whether the accounts of the additional alleged victims are consistent and establish a pattern relevant to the charged offenses.
- Civil and criminal theories: whether the evidence demonstrates criminal fraud or a dispute for which civil remedies are the appropriate avenue.
Case timeline
- July 2025: Argenbright was initially indicted on one felony construction-fraud count tied to the alleged $366,000 payment.
- November 2025: A grand jury returned two additional indictments after other alleged victims came forward.
- May 19, 2026: The case was reported as set for a two-day October 20–21 bench trial.
- October 16, 2026: The latest report said trial was scheduled to start Tuesday and that the number of charges could change before opening statements.
What happens during the two-day proceeding?
At the start, the parties are expected to address any final charge-count or procedural changes, then give opening statements. The Commonwealth will present its witnesses and financial evidence first. Defense counsel may cross-examine those witnesses and present evidence or testimony of its own. After both sides finish, they will make closing arguments, and Judge Sherrill will decide whether the prosecution proved each charge.
A two-day setting is an estimate for presenting the scheduled evidence, not a promise that every issue will be resolved within exactly two court days. Additional testimony, evidentiary disputes or changes to the indictments could affect the schedule.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about the outcome?
No verdict, conviction, acquittal, sentence, restitution order or other final disposition was reported in the available material through October 17, 2026. The allegations remain allegations unless and until the court enters a verdict.
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