‘Delay tactics’ over as judge sentences New Kent woman to one-year jail term

Deemed by Judge Thomas B. Hoover as employing “delay tactics” for stalling a case, a Quinton woman will serve one year in jail for assaulting a police officer.

Lisa Marie Groffel, 36, of the 6400 block of Maple Road, received the sentence during Friday afternoon proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court.

In an Oct. 2014 trial, the defendant accepted a plea agreement to one count of assault on a police officer that occurred in October 2013. At her trial, she entered an Alford plea of guilt, stipulating that while she maintained her innocence, there would be enough evidence to convict her.

At that trial, a summary of evidence presented by Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Tyler revealed that Groffel escaped handcuffs placed on her by Deputy Vicki Byrd while seated in the back of the police car. After the deputy attempted to open the door to recuff the defendant, Groffel lunged and attacked Byrd, resulting in minor injuries.

At court proceedings on Friday, Groffel attempted to change her Alford plea into a not guilty plea. However, Hoover denied the motion, speaking on the duration of the trial and attempts by the defendant to draw out the trial over an extensive period of time.

“The defendant was convicted in October and was originally scheduled for sentencing in December,” the judge said. “However, the defendant suffered a medical condition that caused the case to be continued.”

But the judge pointed to that specific incident from the original Dec. 19 sentencing day when the defendant was taken to a local medical facility.

“How long were you in the home after that occurrence?” questioned the judge.

“I was in the home for about three days and didn’t go anywhere because I was taking care of my kids,” Groffel responded.

Hoover, however, recalled a personal experience from the following day that proved the defendant’s account was not exactly the truth.

“On Dec. 20, I happened to be shopping at Target in Mechanicsville where I noticed the defendant,” the judge said, placing everything on the record. “I did not confront the defendant but I observed her.

“This is clearly a continuation of the numerous delays the defendant has tried,” Hoover continued. “The defendant has changed lawyers, had a mental evaluation, and numerous medical conditions for this case to be continued multiple times.

“While I witnessed the defendant personally after her original date for sentencing, it will have no effect on me today and she will be sentenced today,” concluded the judge.

Groffel received a five-year jail sentence, with all but one year suspended. Six months of that term is a mandatory sentence that is required by law. She will also serve a two additional months for misdemeanor DUI (second offense) that stemmed from a May 2014 incident. One charge each of refusal to take a breathalyzer test and driving without a license were dropped. She must also pay a $500 fine in relation to the DUI conviction.