Quinton man receives six months in jail for possessing illegal smoking device
A Quinton man will spend the next six months in jail for possessing an illegal smoking device after agreeing to terms of a plea deal during Monday proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.
Lawrence Church Jr., 56, of the 7200 block of Lakeshore Drive, entered guilty pleas to an amended charge of possession of drug paraphernalia (originally possession of a Schedule I/II substance) and misdemeanor DUI (first offense) as part of the plea agreement.
In a summary of evidence, on Sept. 17, 2023, a New Kent deputy responded to a call for service after a driver was spotted driving erratically near the intersection of Pocahontas Trail (Route 60) and New Kent Highway (Route 249). A traffic stop was executed and when the officer attempted to speak with the driver, he noticed the operator disoriented. The driver, now identified as Church, indicated he had issues with his transition and his car was running too hot. The officer conducted a field sobriety test, with Church performing poorly and was arrested after the DUI. A search of the vehicle was conducted, with a glass-smoking device being discovered on the floorboard of the passenger side.
Under the agreement, Church received a 12-month sentence with six months suspended (six months to serve) on the possession of drug paraphernalia conviction. All 12 months on the DUI (first offense) conviction were suspended. He must also pay a total of $1,000 in fines.
In other circuit court proceedings:
–Christopher Shane Hughes, 32, of the 11000 block of Walnut Hollow Court, Midlothian, entered a guilty plea to a lone charge of misdemeanor providing false identification to a law enforcement officer as part of a plea agreement. One charge each of DUI (third or subsequent offense), and misdemeanor charges of driving revoked, driving uninsured, driving with an open container, and refusing a blood test were dropped.
In a summary of evidence, on Sept. 23, 2023, a Virginia State Trooper responded to a truck that had heavy damage near mile marker 205 on Interstate 64. A person was standing outside the vehicle when the officer arrived and was questioned about the situation. The trooper questioned the person about the incident and if he was driving the vehicle. When the officer asked for the information, the individual provided a false name. Hughes later revealed his real name and was charged with the misdemeanor.
Under the agreement, Hughes received a 12-month sentence with all time suspended. He must also pay a fine of $500.
–Joshua Dale New, 41, of Providence Forge, entered a no contest plea to distributing a Schedule I/II drug as part of a plea agreement. One charge of misdemeanor driving suspended was dropped. A no contest plea indicates that evidence presented during the trial would be sufficient enough to convict the defendant of the crime.
In a summary of evidence, on May 25, 2023, a New Kent deputy executed a traffic stop on Courthouse Road due to not being able to see the driver’s license plate. The driver, identified as New, did not have a license. A K-9 unit arrived and alerted deputies of possible illegal substances. An inventory of the vehicle was conducted, resulting in the discovery of smoking devices, scales, and a white powdery substance. The substance was submitted to the forensics lab, with results indicated it was 21.8 grams of crystal meth.
Under the agreement, a presentence report has been requested that will evaluate New for the Community Corrections Alternative Program (CCAP). Sentencing guidelines recommend a range of three years, six months to five years, eight months to serve. Sentencing is scheduled for August 19.
–Michelle Patricia Stafford, 36, of the 7100 block of Colonel Crump Drive, Mechanicsville, entered a guilty plea to one count each of possession of a Schedule I/II drug and misdemeanor DUI (first offense) as part of a plea deal. A charge of misdemeanor violation of pretrial services was dropped as part of the agreement.
In a summary of evidence, on Dec. 7, 2023, a New Kent deputy responded to a call for service as a vehicle was parked and running outside of the door at the Food Lion located on Marketplace Drive for a long period of time. The officer responded and found the engine running and the driver slouched over the steering wheel. When the driver, later identified as Stafford, tried to open the door, the officer noticed blood shot eyes and other signs of intoxication. The deputy asked Stafford if they had used any illegal substance that day, and the defendant responded she had used heroin. After Stafford was placed into custody, a search of the vehicle yielded the discovery of a lock box with hypodermic needles inside of them. Those needles were submitted to the forensics lab, with results indicated that Fentanyl was inside of them.
Under the agreement, Stafford received a 10-year sentence with nine years, nine months suspended (three months to serve) as part of the agreement. All 12 months on the misdemeanor DUI were suspended. She must also pay $1,000 in total fines.
–Alfonzo Junior Will, 23, of the 16000 block of Miranda Lane, Woodbridge, entered a no contest plea to an amended charge of misdemeanor distribution of marijuana (less than one ounce) as part of an agreement that saw the charge reduced from distribution of marijuana greater than one ounce but less than five pounds. An additional charge of carrying a concealed weapon was dropped as part of the deal.
In a summary of evidence, on Dec. 7, 2023, a Virginia State trooper conducted a traffic stop for a black Dodge for speeding. The driver, identified as Will, was asked about the speed. The officer then asked if there were any weapons in the cost, which Will responded by asking if he had to divulge that information. Will eventually stepped out of the car and search yielded a black backpack that had packages of commercial marijuana in it. The defendant was taken into custody on that charge.
Under the agreement, Will received a 12-month jail sentence with all but one month suspended. He must also pay a fine of $500.