Distributing cocaine nets Petersburg man six-year prison term

A Petersburg man who sold cocaine to a confidential informant will now serve six years in prison after accepting a plea deal in New Kent Circuit Court.

Jeremiah Jerome Harrison, 28, of the 100 block of Marshall Street, entered guilty pleas to two counts of distribution of cocaine (second offense) during Monday morning court proceedings. Two additional distribution charges were dropped.

In a summary of evidence, an informant who was attempting to get off of drugs notified authorities of a recent drug dealer in the area who tried to sell him the controlled substance. After receiving the information, the informant worked with authorities to set up controlled buys last Jan. 23 and Feb. 20 from Harrison in the Providence Forge area of New Kent. After the purchase on the latter date, police trailed the defendant via air and ground before arresting him. Video surveillance later confirmed Harrison as the distributor of the substance.

Under the plea agreement, Harrison was sentenced to 40 years in prison with 37 years suspended on each charge (six years active time). His sentence is minimal time to serve under state law. He must also pay $730 in restitution.

In an unrelated case, a Quinton man will serve seven months in jail after accepting a plea deal on a charge stemming from a Feb. 25 incident involving a former companion.

Vaughn Noll Adams, 42, of the 5200 block of Pine Fork Road, entered a guilty plea to one count of assault and battery of a family member (third offense). One charge of abduction was dropped.

In a summary of evidence, Adams and the victim lived together, despite their differences. Adams admitted he wanted to rekindle a relationship with the victim, and after she refused, he barricaded her inside the home. The defendant also inflicted physical violence to the victim, grabbing her forcefully.

Under the agreement, Adams received five years in jail, with all but seven months suspended.