Defendants opt for plea deals in New Kent court

A Quinton woman who used forged checks to pay bills and buy groceries will now be serving the next seven months in jail.

Shauna Evelyn Chapman, 25, of 10345 Racheal Drive, accepted a plea agreement from the commonwealth on one count of forgery at last Monday’s hearing in New Kent Circuit Court.

In a summary of evidence presented by Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory, Chapman used several of Vicki Lynn Hogge’s checks for personal use. Chapman worked for Hogge and admitted she struggled financially during the time period of November 2011 to April 2012 and used the checks to support herself.

Prior to sentencing, Hogge spoke on her disappointment over the situation.

“I never thought anything like this would happen,” she said. “[Losing] the money was a hurt, but I cared for her like a daughter. I can understand if this was a stranger, but to do this to someone you know, I can’t.”

Even though Chapman apologized for her actions, she admitted there was no reasoning for them. Her response led to Judge Thomas B. Hoover making a statement on the reality of the situation.

“You’re a cold-hearted thief,” he told the defendant. “You stole from someone who trusted you.

“All too often I hear of people like Mrs. Hogge giving a convicted felon a chance for employment,” he continued. “I can tell by the way you are acting that you don’t have any remorse for your actions.”

Chapman received a 10-year sentence with nine years, five months suspended.

In other cases on Monday:

–Brandon Paul Wright, 24, of 8208 Thelma Lou Road, Mechanicsville, plead guilty to two amended accounts of misdemeanor accessory after the fact to the distribution of drugs. Original charges of distribution were amended, while two counts of conspiracy were dropped. Wright admitted possessing ecstasy pills on Aug. 13 and 16, 2010. Under a plea agreement, he received two years in jail with all suspended and was ordered to pay $400 in restitution.

–Mark Kirk Buckland, 39, of 36 Hardwood Drive, Rosedale, Md., accepted a plea deal on four counts of cocaine distribution. Two charges of distribution were dropped. Buckland sold cocaine to an informant on four separate days in the month of June and July in the vicinity of Colonial Downs. Under the agreement, he received 80 years in prison, but will serve only two years, two months active time. He also has to pay $1,160 in restitution.