New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 28, 2024

More arrests made in Operation Happy Holidays in CC

By Alan Chamberlain | December 17, 2008 9:27 am

With the arrests of two more Charles City men, the number of suspects charged in Operation Happy Holidays, the latest drug sweep in the county, has risen to 20.

Authorities arrested Jonta Johnson, 25, of 7343 Church Lane, on Dec. 3 when the suspect showed up at his girlfriend’s apartment in Hopewell, Capt. Jayson Crawley said on Friday. Johnson is charged with nine counts of cocaine distribution and one count each of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and felony child endangerment. He is being held without bond.

Last Friday, meanwhile, deputies arrested the second man when he appeared in Charles City Circuit Court for trial on a probation violation. Maurice Edward Coles, 23, of 8500 Courthouse Road, faces three counts of cocaine distribution.

Coles’ probation matter ended up postponed until Jan. 6, but Judge Thomas B. Hoover presided over appointment of counsel and bond hearings for the suspect. After learning that Coles has no job, has never filed a tax return, and does not own property in the county, Hoover denied bond. Trial has been tentatively scheduled for Feb. 13.

Two other suspects arrested last month appeared for hearings in court last Friday. Counsel was appointed for Antwan Lamont Charity, 29, of 10421 Courthouse Road, Charles City, who faces one count each of crack cocaine distribution and conspiracy. He remains free on $10,000 bond pending a Feb. 13 trial.

Hoover, however, denied bond for the second suspect, Stephen S. Cotman II, 19, of 8701 Adkins Road, Charles City, who is being held on 10 counts of crack cocaine distribution and two counts of conspiracy.

Defense attorney Todd Duval told the court that Cotman has a serious kidney ailment that warrants his client’s release. Duval said his client has been denied access to prescription medication while being held in jail. Cotman has been behind bars since his arrest on Nov. 13.

“I don’t think he represents a danger to himself or the community,” Duval argued, adding his client is not a flight risk. He recommended bond be set at $50,000.

Duval also mentioned that Cotman’s mother, Jean B. Cotman, 51, of 8701 Adkins Road, a codefendant facing two distribution counts and one conspiracy charge, is out on bond. She was granted $100,000 bond on Nov. 21 and is scheduled for trial on Jan. 23.

Prosecutor Rob Tyler asked that bond be denied for the son, adding, “This is a family business, and this would put the family back together.”

Hoover agreed with Tyler, but expressed concern over Cotman’s medical situation. The judge instructed Duval to obtain written authorization of Cotman’s medication needs from the suspect’s physician and forward the information to officials at Riverside Regional Jail where the suspect is being held. Cotman’s trial is set for Jan. 30.