Man enters guilty pleas to forgery as part of agreement

A New York man who forged fake money in a number of jurisdictions, including New Kent, accepted a plea deal during Sept. 26 proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

Jermaine O. Yancey, 43, of the 400 block of Valley Drive, Syracuse, entered guilty pleas to four counts of forging of coins and bank notes.

In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory, on June 1 New Kent Sheriff’s Office received a call from neighboring West Point authorities to assist on a stop for a Nissan Maxima heading towards Interstate 64. New Kent deputies were able to locate the vehicle on the freeway and were able to stop Yancey, who was identified as the driver.

One officer obtained the defendant’s wallet and searched through it to find identification for Yancey. Upon the search, the deputy noticed two $20 bills with the same serial numbers. A further search revealed more bills with identical numbers, with the officer noting that the bills had an unusual appearance. A printer also was found inside the vehicle. Yancey was arrested and in a written statement, admitted he bought the printer and was responsible for the counterfeit bills.

Under the plea agreement, Yancey was sentenced to 10 years in jail with nine suspended (one to serve) on the first count of the forgery charges. Ten years on each of the remaining three charges were all suspended.

In other circuit court proceedings:

–Justin Earl Ball, 24, of the 13000 block of Stage Road, entered a guilty plea to a single count of firearm larceny. Ball admitted that on Sept. 8, he stole a Smith and Wesson .38 belonging to Brandy Martin on Sept. 8, 2015 while he was an employee of Old Mill Mechanical. The defendant told authorities that he stole the gun so that he could sell it to purchase drugs.

Formal sentencing for Ball is scheduled for Dec. 12 as a presentence report is being prepared. A charge in general district court also is scheduled to be heard.

–Amy Michelle Carter, 39, of the 3600 block of George Washington Memorial Highway, Hayes, accepted a plea deal to an amended charge of misdemeanor accessory after the fact to possession of heroin (originally possession of heroin). In a summary evidence, on Apr. 7 a state trooper responded to the eastbound rest area on Interstate 64 after a woman was reported to have passed out. Upon arriving, the officer encountered Carter, who said she and the woman were there to take drugs.

Under the agreement, Carter received a 12-month sentence with all time suspended, but will be placed on probation.

–Brandon Marcel Funn, 33, and Ashley Nichole Wilson, 30, both of Lanexa, each accepted plea deals to one count of distribution of marijuana greater than one-half ounce and less than five ounces. One charge of conspiracy was dropped against each defendant.

In a summary of evidence, last May 29 New Kent Sheriff’s Office responded to a dispute between the two defendants at a campground in Lanexa. Upon entering the home, deputies smelled a strong odor of marijuana and received consent from Wilson to search the house. Officers located a bag hanging from Wilson’s door that contained plastic bags containing marijuana. More items were located that included jars, scales, and plant material. The two were subsequently arrested for having 3.7 ounces of the illegal substance.

Under the plea agreement, Wilson received a two-year sentence with all time suspended, while Funn will serve an active term of incarceration totaling three months with the other four years, nine months suspended.