Distributing marijuana in New Kent nets Hampton man seven month jail term

A Hampton man will spend seven months in jail after receiving formal sentencing Monday afternoon in New Kent Circuit Court.

Jatavious Jaquez Calloway, 30, of the 600 block of Bell Street, received a five-year sentence with four years, five months suspended on one count of distribution of marijuana more than one-half ounce but less than five pounds.

During a June 25 trial, Calloway entered an Alford Plea of Guilt, meaning while the defendant maintains his innocence, evidence presented during the trial would be enough to convict him of the crime. At that trial, it was determined that on Sept. 29, 2017, a Virginia State Trooper pulled over Calloway during a traffic stop and smelled the scent of marijuana. After searching the vehicle, the office recovered paraphernalia in the glove compartment and eight individually wrapped bags with a substance inside, later identified as marijuana. Calloway told the officer he was transporting the substance to Charlottesville and was subsequently arrested.

In other circuit court proceedings:

–Kevin Lamont Jarrell Jr., 30, of the 2500 block of Merle Street, Richmond, pleaded guilty to a single count of distribution of heroin as part of a plea agreement. In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory, on Dec. 6, 2017, Quin Rivers Task Force arranged a controlled buy of the substance from the defendant at McDonalds in Bottoms Bridge. The confidential informant bought four grams of heroin for $300. A subsequent traffic stop was made on Jarrell’s vehicle and he was arrested.

Formal sentencing for the defendant is scheduled for Nov. 5, but sentencing guidelines recommend a term ranging between 18-26 months.

–Michael Malik Winston, 25, of the 200 block of Hodder Lane, Highland Springs, accepted a plea deal to an amended charge of possession of heroin (originally distribution of heroin).

In a summary of evidence, on Nov. 29, 2017, the defendant and a confidential informant met at the Rite Aid in Bottoms Bridge to sell two grams of heroin. After the exchange, a traffic stop was executed on the vehicle the defendant was riding in. A search of the suspect resulted in the recovery of possession on Winston, leading to his arrest.

Under the plea agreement, Winston received a five-year sentence with all but three months suspended.