Williamsburg man to serve five months for illegally possessing ammunition in New Kent

A Williamsburg man will spend the next five months in jail after accepting a plea agreement to illegally possession ammunition during Monday afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

Marques Raqua Stephens-Graves, 25, of 11 Settlers Lane, entered guilty pleas to one count each of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and a misdemeanor violation of pretrial services as part of the plea deal.

In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent County Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Greg Overholser, on Nov. 21, 2020, a New Kent deputy clocked a green vehicle traveling 75 miles per hour in a posted 55 miles per hour zone westbound on Pocahontas Trail (Route 60). The vehicle pulled into the parking lot of the Star Motel before the driver bailed into one of the hotel rooms. The individual emerged later and was identified as Stephens-Graves. When questioned why he fled, the defendant said he had marijuana in the vehicle.

An inspection of the vehicle revealed not only the illegal substance, but also shell casings. Inside of the motel room where Stephens-Graves was staying contained two firearms as well. A background check revealed that the defendant had a felony out of Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court, and he was arrested on the possession of ammunition charge. No connection could be made to Stephens-Graves possessing the firearms. His violation of pretrial services stems from his arrest in another jurisdiction while awaiting this trial.

Under the agreement, Stephens-Graves received a five-year jail sentence with four years, seven months suspended (seven months to serve) on the possession of ammunition conviction. All 12 months on the violation of pretrial services were suspended.

In an unrelated case, a Henrico woman entered guilty pleas to crimes that took place on two separate days in New Kent.

Amanda Lee Reece, 36, of the 5400 block of Coxson Road, pled guilty to one count each of possession of a Schedule I/II substance and misdemeanor hit and run.

In a summary of evidence, on Feb. 14, a New Kent deputy responded to an accident in front of the McDonald’s in Quinton. The victim of the hit-and-run described the vehicle and the officers were able to track down the driver, later identified as Reece. The defendant admitted to the crime.

Eleven days later, a New Kent officer responded to Hickory Road on a vehicle parked in the road. When the officer arrived, they noticed the driver sleep in the vehicle. The deputy also recalled the same vehicle was involved in the aforementioned hit-and-run incident. Reece was arrested for having outstanding warrants and a search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a white rock, later identified as crack cocaine.

Under the agreement, Reece received a two-year jail sentence with all but one day suspended on the possession of cocaine conviction. All 12 months on the misdemeanor hit-and-run were suspended, but she must pay restitution in the amount of $2,055.36.