Former Henrico police officer awaits his sentence for abusing children

A Chesterfield judge will decide Thursday how much time a former Henrico County police officer should spend in jail for abusing his two elementary-age sons and allowing his fiancée to abuse them as well.

Bhalmiki Maharaj pleaded guilty in July 2025 to child abuse and neglect, assault and battery, malicious wounding and child cruelty.

During the sentencing hearing, the Commonwealth played multiple videos from inside the couple's home showing the older child doing squat jumps while Maharaj's fiancée, Barbie Paul, berated, kicked, slapped and punched him. Maharaj was in the room and allowed the abuse to happen.

Another judge previously sentenced Paul to more than 132 years behind bars for the abuse.

As the videos played in the courtroom, Maharaj began crying to the point of sobbing, and the judge called a recess so he could collect himself.

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