Second distribution conviction sends Shacklefords’ man to three years in prison

By Andre Jones | September 11, 2017 9:45 pm

A Shacklefords man who distributed cocaine will spend the next three years in prison after pleading guilty during Sept. 11 proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.
Gilbert Ensley Jones Jr., 32, of the 1000 block of Jamestown Road, accepted a plea agreement and entered a guilty plea to one count of distribution of cocaine (second offense). One charge of possession of heroin was dropped as part of the deal.

In a summary of evidence provided by Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Del Rossi, on Feb. 2, the Twin Rivers Drug Task Force conducted a controlled buy in New Kent. A confidential informant met up with Jones and purchased one-quarter of an ounce of cocaine for $400. After the buy, authorities arrested the defendant. Jones’ criminal history revealed that he had been arrested on the same charge before in King & Queen County.

Jones received a 10-year prison sentence with seven years suspended. The three years of active incarceration is mandated time under state law.

In an unrelated court matter, a Providence Forge woman will serve no active time in jail after accepting a plea agreement.

Tiffany Dawn Hockaday, 33, of the 10000 block of Pocahontas Trail, accepted terms of a plea agreement and entered guilty pleas to one count each of possession of heroin and misdemeanor DUI (first offense).

In a summary of evidence, on Jan. 25 Deputy Wyatt Johnston responded to a call of a vehicle driving erratically on Interstate 64 eastbound. After locating the vehicle and initiating a traffic stop, Johnston questioned Hockaday, who was operating the vehicle. Noticing her slur and speech and her body shaking, the deputy conducted a sobriety test, with Hockaday performing poorly on it. The defendant admitted she had injected Adderal and heroin. A search of the defendant’s vehicle resulted in the recovery of a syringe and cotton balls. Blood was drawn from the defendant after she was taken to jail and confirmed the drug was in her system.

Under the plea agreement, all five years on the possession of heroin charge were suspended upon completion of a counseling and rehabilitation program. All 90 days on the DUI charge were suspended but she must pay a $250 fine.