My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia
So, after a month and a half, we did some checking, and it turns out my brother in law, did in fact steal my games, controller and everything, coming to $290 and change. We know this for a fact, because he sold them at the local Gamestop, and used my sisters account when he sold them. It keeps track of what you buy and sell, and my games are listed as some he sold on April 9th.
Now, I've just mailed off a certified, restricted letter, only he can sign for it. The letter is asking him to politely return my property, I now have proof that he's sold around $140 of that, so, my question is. Do I have to wait for the confirmation that he's received the letter, or can I take what evidence I have right now, take it to the Magistrate(or whoever I'm supposed to go to), and file civil charges against him. Is it a felony at that amount of property stolen? A friend of mine(I know, reliable source), told me that anything over $200 is a felony. He is already on probation for child abuse, while it wrong of me, I'm eager to see him in prison. I know there is no getting my property back, and he'll never reimburse the value either.
I just want to know if I should go ahead with charges, or wait for confirmation that I tried to contact him in a polite and civil manner, or just go straight to the pressing charges, since I have proof he borrowed, stole(theft after trust), and sold stolen property.
Thank you guys, for all of your help thus far, and for future questions. You guys are really the absolute best, and I know I can always rely on your knowledge and experience.

