Richmond man receives three-month sentence for drug possession in Charles City

A Richmond man will spend the next three months in jail after pleading guilty to possessing an illegal substance during Friday morning procedures in Charles City Circuit Court.

Larry Edward Gammon, 39, of the 4700 block of Caldwell Avenue, entered guilty pleas to one count each of possession of a Schedule I/II substance and misdemeanor driving on a suspended license.

In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Tyler, on Oct. 14, 2020, a Virginia State Trooper familiar noticed the defendant driving a vehicle. Being familiar with the defendant from another jurisdiction, the trooper conducted a traffic stop after Gammon failed to stop at a stop sign. When speaking with Gammon, the officer noticed a folded-up dollar bill and a cut straw, items that are often associated with drug use. The trooper conducted a search and found a white powdery substance. While the substance came back as cocaine after it was tested in the field, a subsequent lab test identified it as methamphetamine. However, both substances are classified in the Schedule I/II category, and Gammon was arrested.

Gammon received a five-year sentence with four years, nine months suspended (three months to serve) on the possession conviction. All 90 days on the misdemeanor driving suspended charge were suspended, but he must pay a $100 fine.

In an unrelated case, a Hopewell woman entered a guilty plea to possessing a Schedule I/II drug.

Tammy Daye Paden, 49, of the 100 block of S. 14th Avenue, admitted to having the substance on Feb. 26, 2020.

In a summary of evidence, on the aforementioned date at 4 a.m., Charles City deputies responded to a call of a woman walking in the road. After checking the woman, later identified as Paden, for injuries, they inspected the items she was carrying and discovered a clear bag with a tan substance inside of her purse. A field test was conducted, and it was identified as Fentanyl. However, a lab analysis identified the substance as cocaine. Both substances are illegal Schedule I/II drugs.

No formal finding was rendered as Paden will enter into the First Offender Program. If she successfully completes the one-year program, the charge will be dismissed.