New Kent woman receives jail time for second DWI conviction

A New Kent woman will spend 15 days in jail after being convicted on a second offense of driving while intoxicated.

Ashley Elizabeth Howington, 35, of the 7800 block of Faisan Lane, entered guilty pleas to an amended charge of possession of a Schedule I/II drug (originally possession of a Schedule I/II drug while in possession of a gun), DWI (second offense), and amended charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (originally felony child abuse) as part of an agreement reached Monday in New Kent Circuit Court.

In a summary of evidence, on Nov. 16, 2024, a call for service was issued for a vehicle driving erratically in New Kent County. The vehicle was located, and a traffic stop was initiated, with Howington being identified as the driver. The officer noticed signs of intoxication and removed Howington from the vehicle. The officer noticed a substance inside the car which was later identified as illegal drugs. In the back of the vehicle was a child under the age of 17. Howington was arrested on the charges.

No formal finding was rendered on the possession of the Schedule I/II charge as the defendant was placed into the First Offender program. If the defendant successfully completes the program, the charge will be dropped. All 12 months on the misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor were suspended, while Howington also received a 12-month sentence with all but 15 days suspended on the DWI (second offense) conviction, with those days being mandatory time to serve.

In other circuit court proceedings:

–Jacob Bryan Cahoon, 29, of the 6500 block of New Kent Highway, Quinton, was found guilty on three charges after failing to meet the terms of a plea agreement. During an Oct. 2024 case, Cahoon accepted a plea deal where he admitted to being in possession of methamphetamine when he was arrested on Aug. 25, 2023. As part of the agreement, Cahoon was supposed to complete the terms of a drug treatment recovery program but failed to do so.

Cahoon was found guilty on one charge each of possession of a Schedule I/II drugs, misdemeanor violating the conditions of a bond, and violating terms of pretrial conditions. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 27.

–Timothy Smith, 58, of the 300 block of E. Virginia Avenue, Crewe, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of misdemeanor failing to report an accident (originally felony hit and run).

In a summary of evidence, on Dec. 18, 2024, Smith was part of a minor accident and did not report it to as required by law. He received a 12-month sentence with 11 months suspended (one month to serve). He must also pay a $2,500 fine.