New Kent man enters guilty plea to amended charge of misdemeanor drug distribution

A New Kent man entered guilty pleas to drug charges and carrying a concealed weapon as part of a plea agreement reached Monday afternoon in New Kent Circuit Court.

Mehki Kewan Briggs, 23, of the 7800 block of Lovegrass Terrance, entered guilty pleas to an amended charge of misdemeanor distribution of marijuana less than one ounce (originally distribution of marijuana greater than one ounce but less than five pounds) and misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon as part of the agreement.

In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick, on Nov. 14, 2025, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after noticing erratic driver. The officer noticed possible signs of drug distribution in plain sight after pulling over the driver, identified as Briggs. After detaining the suspect, the officer recovered items including marijuana and a hidden weapon during a search of the vehicle. Briggs was arrested on the charges.

A presentence report is being prepared with formal sentencing scheduled for Oct. 26. Briggs faces up to a total of two years in jail (one year on each of the misdemeanor charges) and/or up to a fine of $2,500 on each of the charges.

In an unrelated case, an Alexandria man who violated the terms of the First Offender Status has been found guilty on charges of felony eluding and misdemeanor reckless driving.

Gary Watkins Manning III, 33, of the 5900 block of High Dale Circle, was formally found guilty of the aforementioned crimes. During a Mar. 16 trial, Manning entered guilty pleas to the charges but a withhold finding was put in place in order to offer the opportunity to make amends by completing the First Offender Program. However, the defendant failed to meet the requirements, resulting in the conviction.

Formal sentencing for Manning is scheduled for Oct. 19.