Cocaine distribution nets Barhamsville woman four-year prison term

A Barhamsville woman will spend the next four years in prison for distributing cocaine in New Kent County.

Shannon Inez Berkley, 45, of the 13000 block of Farmer’s Drive, entered guilty pleas to two amended charges of distributing a controlled substance (originally distributing a controlled substance- second offense) as part of a plea agreement during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. One charge each of distributing a controlled substance (second offense), possession of a Schedule I/II drug, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia were dropped as part of the agreement.

In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth Attorney Scott Renick, Berkley was the target of a drug takedown operation by the Tri-Rivers Drug Task Force. From May 7-11, 2021, the operation conducted two control buys from Berkley using a confidential informant. The informant purchased a bag of 3.5 grams of cocaine on two separate occasions, totaling $575. With the buy recorded on tape along with matching serial numbers on money in possession of Berkley, she was arrested on the charges.

Berkley received a 20-year sentence with 16 years suspended on the first conviction of distributing a controlled substance (four years to serve). All 20 years on the second conviction were suspended. She must also pay $1,000 in fines and restitution in the amount of $1,150.

In other New Kent Circuit Court trials:

–Alison Aurelia Langhorne, 36, currently of Henrico Jail East, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of misdemeanor possession of a Schedule III drug (originally possession of marijuana by a prisoner) as part of a plea deal.

In a summary of evidence, on Oct. 10, 2021, information had been received that drugs may have been inside of Henrico Jail East. An investigation was conducted, resulting in Langhorne being a suspect. Upon searching the defendant and her items, it was discovered that she was in possession of suboxone, an illegal substance.

Under the agreement, Langhorne received a 12-month sentence with all time suspended.

–Roger Lee Little Jr., 53, of the 1700 block of Lee Street, West Point, entered a guilty plea to one count of felony eluding as part of an agreement.

In a summary of evidence, on Dec. 7, 2021 around 4 p.m., a New Kent Sheriff’s officer noticed a 1997 Pontiac van doing a donut in the Pit Stop of Chesapeake Square. When the officer attempted to pull over the vehicle, a chase ensued, with the van getting on Interstate 64 east. The chase reached speeds of 86 miles per hour before additional officers were called and executed a rolling roadblock on the vehicle at mile marker 227 in James City County. Little, who was now identified as the driver, was taken into custody.

Under the plea deal, Little will receive a five-year sentence with four years suspended (one year to serve).