False information during traffic stop nets Newport News man 22-month sentence

A Newport News man will serve close to two years in jail after pleading guilty during Feb. 5 Charles City Circuit Court proceedings.

Clifton Bruce Graham, 58, of the 1200 block of 25th street, entered guilty pleas to one count each of forgery of a public record, driving as a habitual offender, and misdemeanor use of false identification.

In a summary of evidence, Graham was pulled over during a traffic stop on Nov. 6, 2015. Graham provided the officer with information that was not true and forged the name of another person on the summons. An investigation ensued with the result finding that Graham was the person who was occupying the vehicle. Further information revealed he had been declared a habitual offender.

Graham received a sentence of five years in jail with four years suspended on the driving as a habitual offender charge and will serve 10 months out of a 10-year sentence for the forgery offense. All 12 months on the misdemeanor charge were suspended.