Mechanicsville man to serve four years in prison for driving intoxicated in New Kent County

A Mechanicsville man who drove under the influence of drugs in New Kent County will spend more than four years in prison after pleading guilty to several charges as part of Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

Christopher Russell Holt, 34, of the 7000 block of Wahoo Court, entered guilty pleas to one count of driving while intoxicated (DWI) after being previously convicted of a similar charge, felony eluding of police, and felony destruction of property as part of a plea agreement reached. One charge of driving revoked after being convicted of a similar felony was dropped as part of the deal.

In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth Attorney Scott Renick, on Aug. 21, 2022, a New Kent deputy attempted a traffic stop on a blue pick-up truck at the Star Motel on Pocahontas Trail (Route 60) in New Kent as it had sped 97 miles per hour in a posted 55 miles per hour zone. As the truck appeared to pull over, it accelerated out of the parking lot, leading the officer on a chase.

The truck entered into a Quinton subdivision via Magnolia Lane from Pocahontas Trail before returning back to the main thoroughfare, traveling westbound. The vehicle ran the red light at the intersection of Pocahontas Trail and New Kent Highway (Route 249), taking the chase into Henrico County. The truck ran the red light at the intersection of Route 60 and Elko Road, side-swiping a Sedan and bringing an end to the chase.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Holt, was taken to VCU where his blood-alcohol content was discovered to be .108, which is above the legal limit of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. A background check on Holt’s driving record indicated that his license was suspended for a similar offense.

Under the plea agreement, Holt received a five-year sentence with three years suspended (two to serve) under the DWI after previously being convicted on a similar charge. All five years on the felony eluding and felony destruction of property charges were suspended.

Holt also triggered a probation violation due to his actions. He received an additional two years of incarceration, bringing his active time to four years. In addition to his time, he must pay a $1,000 fine and $50 to the Trauma Center.

In other circuit court proceedings:

–Brandon Patrick Davis, 28, of the 7500 block of Elko Road, Sandston, pled guilty to an amended charge of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia (originally possession of a Schedule I/II drug) as part of a plea agreement. One charge of felony violation of pretrial services was dropped.

In a summary of evidence, on Dec. 28, 2022, a New Kent deputy patrolling near the Pilot Travel Center on Emmaus Church Road (Route 106) noticed a male in the driver’s seat of a vehicle at the gas pump. The officer knew of the defendant’s past history and went to conduct a check on him. When the officer approached the driver, identified as Davis, he asked if he had any drugs in the car. Davis admitted that he had two pipes used for smoking in the vehicle. The officer searched the vehicle, discovering the devices and placing the defendant in custody.

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

–Tavares Mauries Edmonds, 47, of the 7200 block of Pine Fork Road, Quinton, entered guilty pleas to two counts of assault and battery on a family member (third or subsequent offense), and misdemeanor violating a protective order as part of a plea deal. One charge of misdemeanor violation of pretrial services was dropped.

In a summary of evidence, on Sept. 26, 2022, a New Kent deputy responded to a call for service at a residence on Pine Fork Road to investigate a possible domestic result. The officer encountered the victim, who said that Edmonds had put his hands around their neck. The deputy noted red marks around the victim’s neck, prompting the questioning of Edmonds. He was arrested on that charge.

Similarly, on Mar. 30, another call for service was received from the same address about another possible incident. When a deputy arrived, the victim said that they were punched in the face, with a visible cut noticeable by the officer. Edmonds admitted that he hit the victim in the face during the argument, prompting his arrest. While Edmonds was incarcerated, he made 24 calls to the victim from the jail while the victim was under a protective order for no contact.

Under the plea agreement, Edmonds received a five-year sentence with two years, three months suspended (two years, nine months to serve) on the first charge of assault and battery of a family member (third offense). All five years on the second assault and battery of a family member was suspended. Edmonds also received a 180-day sentence with all but 60 days suspended for violating the protective order, with one of those days being the mandatory minimum under state statute.