Lanexa man stipulates to evidence in New Kent strangulation case
A Lanexa man has stipulated to evidence relating to a strangulation charge in New Kent.
Jessie Wayne Farmer, 31, of the 13500 block of Campground Road, stipulated to evidence on the strangulation charge as part of a plea agreement reached during Monday afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. An additional charge of strangulation, one charge of misdemeanor assault and battery of a family member, and one charge of misdemeanor damaging a phone line were dropped as part of the agreement. A stipulation to evidence means that while Farmer does not admit guilt, evidence presented in the case by the prosecution would be enough to convict the defendant of the crime.
In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent County Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Thomas Cleator, on Apr. 5 around 3:30 a.m., a New Kent deputy responded to a call for service in Ed Allen’s Campground in the eastern part of the county. Upon arriving, the officer encountered the victim, who said they had gotten into an argument with Farmer. During that argument, the defendant indicated that Farmer had put his hands around their neck and prevented them from breathing. The officer observed red marks around the victim’s neck, and the victim said that their neck hurt. After a subsequent investigation, Farmer was charged with the offense.
Under the agreement, no formal finding was rendered as Farmer will enter into a one-year rehabilitation class that will address anger management, drug use, and other areas of concern. If the defendant successfully completes the course, the strangulation charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor assault and battery of a family member.
In an unrelated case, a Newport News man will spend six months in jail for eluding police in New Kent County.
Xavien Vargas, 21, of the 4100 block of Washington Avenue, entered guilty pleas to one count each of felony eluding and misdemeanor reckless driving as part of a plea deal.
In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth Attorney Scott Renick, on May 19 around 1:30 a.m., a New Kent deputy operating radar on Interstate 64 East traffic at the 211-mile marker clocked a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed without any headlights on. When the vehicle passed, the officer followed the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The car accelerated to speeds of 100 miles per hour as a pursuit began. The suspect’s vehicle left the interstate at Exit 220 (West Point) and continued at a high rate of speed. The vehicle turned east onto New Kent Highway, weaving back and forth over the double-lines in the middle of the road. Eventually, the suspect’s car crashed into a median and the driver, identified as Vargas, surrendered to authorities.
Under the agreement, Vargas received a five-year sentence with four years, six months suspended (six months to serve) on the felony eluding conviction. All 12 months on the misdemeanor reckless driving conviction were suspended. He must also pay $3,000 in total fines for the offenses.