Richmond man avoids jail time for possessing drug paraphernalia

A Richmond man will spend no active time incarcerated on a drug-related crime after pleading guilty to an amended charge during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

Frank Damon Overton, 40, of the 1200 block of Herman Street, entered a guilty plea to one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia (originally possession of a Schedule I/II substance) after accepting a plea agreement.

In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Greg Overholser, on Mar. 4, 2021, a New Kent deputy stopped a vehicle in Eltham where Overton was a passenger. After obtaining information on the defendant, a quick check revealed that he was wanted out of Henrico County on a crime. Overton was placed into custody and when he was searched, a piece of drug paraphernalia was discovered on him, leading to the New Kent charge.

Overton received a 12-month sentence with all time suspended on the conviction. He must, however, complete 50 hours of community service.