New Kent man receives four-month jail term for causing accident on Interstate 64

A New Kent man who caused an accident on Interstate 64 while driving under the influence will spend the next four months in jail.

Travon Terrell Gaines, 31, of the 7800 block of Upland Drive, entered guilty pleas to one count each of felony hit and run that resulted in an injury and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated (first offense) as part of a plea agreement reached Monday afternoon in New Kent Circuit Court. One count each of felony hit and run and misdemeanor reckless driving (improper brakes) were dropped.

In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick, on June 13, 2023, Virginia State Police were dispatched to an accident at mile marker 217 on Interstate 64. When they arrived, they noticed a Toyota Camry had crashed in the median. A member of the injured party as well as witnesses say that a white jeep had tried to pass two vehicles by splitting in between them as they traveled in lanes and that the jeep made contact with the Camry. About a quarter of the mile down the road, the jeep was located on the side of the road. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Gaines, was located running in the woods and was arrested. Officers noticed a strong smell of marijuana emitting from him, and Gaines admitted he drank alcohol and smoked the substance earlier in the day.

Under the plea agreement, Gaines received a 10-year sentence with nine years, eight months suspended (four months to serve) on the felony hit-and-run with injury conviction. He received a 12-month sentence with all time suspended on the misdemeanor DWI conviction. He must also pay $1,000 in fines.

In other circuit court proceedings:

–Marcus Anthony Christian, 30, of the 1600 block of E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, entered a guilty plea on a solo count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon as part of an agreement.

In a summary of evidence, on July 29, 2023, a New Kent deputy patrolling traffic on Pocahontas Trail noticed a black Ford Escape that had expired registration. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, identified as Christian, had a suspended license. As the officer was speaking with Christian, they noticed a Glock magazine in plain view. The deputy also noted that Christian was a convicted felon and was not allowed to have a weapon, leading to his arrest.

Under the agreement, Christian received a five-year sentence with four years suspended (one year to serve). He must also pay a fine of $1,000.

–Matthew Taylor Eddy, 32, of the 5000 block of N. Warriner Road, Henrico, entered a guilty plea to one count of possession of a Schedule I/II drug as part of an agreement.

In a summary of evidence, on Mar. 1, 2023, a traffic stop was conducted in Chesapeake Square near the Dairy Queen. During the stop, it was discovered that the driver, identified as Eddy, was in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested for the offense.

Under the agreement, Eddy received a five-year sentence with all but one month suspended.

–Matthew Ray Howell, 29, of the 7800 block of Berkely Drive, Gloucester Point, received formal sentencing on one count each of possession of a Schedule I/II substance, misdemeanor DUI of drugs (first offense) and misdemeanor DUI (second offense). During a Nov. 20, 2023 trial, Howard admitted that he was in possession of cocaine on Sept. 7, 2022 after he was pulled over for driving erratically. He was also pulled over again on Mar. 29, 2023 for driving under the influence.

Howell received a five-year term with four years suspended (one year to serve) on the possession of a Schedule I/II substance conviction. All 12 months on both misdemeanor charges were suspended. He was also ordered to enter into the ORBIT program and pay a fine of $1,500.

–Jessica Nichole Ramsey, 33 of the 17000 block of New Kent Highway, entered a guilty plea to one count of delivering drugs to a prisoner. In a summary of evidence, on July 24, 2023, Ramsey was in possession of Siboxin and attempted to pass it on to a prisoner.

Under the agreement, no formal finding was rendered as Ramsey was ordered into a drug rehabilitation program. Sentencing has been scheduled for a later date and will be based on the defendant’s success in the program.

–Justin Shane Whitlow, 32, of Sandston, received formal sentencing on a single charge of possession of a Schedule I/II drug. During a Nov. 6, 2023 trial, evidence revealed that Whitlow had cocaine wrapped inside a lottery ticket when he was arrested and taken into custody.

Whitlow received a 10-year jail sentence with nine years suspended (one year to serve). He was also ordered into the CCAP program.