Individuals in unrelated cases to serve times for failing to complete First Offender Program
Two individuals in unrelated cases will spend time incarcerated after violating the terms of the First Offender Program imposed by New Kent Circuit Court.
Stephen Thomas Jones, 49, of the 2400 block of Oaklawn Boulevard, Hopewell, was formally found guilty on a single count of possession of a Schedule I/II substance after failing to complete the terms of the First Offender Program.
During a Dec. 9, 2024 trial, Jones entered into a plea agreement as he pled guilty to one count each of possession of a Schedule I/II drug and misdemeanor DWI (first offense). During that trial, evidence presented showed that on Feb 19, 2024, a New Kent deputy was conducting registration checks when a vehicle showed that the owner’s license was suspended. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, identified as Jones, was asked about his license. The officer noticed open containers in the defendant’s car and subsequently conducted a field sobriety test. Jones performed poorly, resulting in his arrest. The officer searched the vehicle, recovering a smoking device with a substance on it. The item was sent to a forensics lab where the substance was determined to be cocaine.
Jones was placed into the First Offender Program. However, the defendant did not complete all the terms of his agreement, including not being on good behavior. Jones was formally found guilty on the possession of a Schedule I/II substance Monday afternoon.
Jones received a five-year sentence with four years, six months suspended (six months to serve). He has already served his time in relation to the DWI conviction.
In an unrelated case, a woman will serve three months in jail for violating her terms of the First Offender Program.
Stefanie Rae Odom, 43, of Newport News, was formally found guilty on a single count of possession of a Schedule I/II drug.
During a June 9, 2025 case, Odom entered a guilty plea where she admitted to possessing cocaine. During that trial, evidence presented show that on June 5, 2024, a New Kent deputy executed a traffic stop where Odom was the passenger. After an investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted where 2.51 grams of cocaine was discovered. Odom was arrested on the charge and subsequently placed in the First Offender Program.
However, during the defendant’s time in the First Offender Program, she tested positive several times for having drugs in the system, which was a violation of the terms of the program. She returned to court Monday afternoon and was formally found guilty.
Odom received a five-year sentence with all time suspended on the possession of a Schedule I/II drug conviction. However, because of her violation of the First Offender Program, she received a six-month active term to serve for violating the terms of probation.
In other circuit court cases:
–Mariano William Bassett (address unknown), stipulated to evidence of an amended charge of misdemeanor assault and battery (originally strangulation). Evidence presented showed that on May 11, Bassett got into an altercation with the victim where physicality was involved.
No formal finding was rendered as the defendant was placed on a deferred disposition for two years. During that time, he will be under supervised probation and must complete an anger management program. After those two years, the charge may be dismissed.
–Mekhi Kewan Briggs, 23, of the 7800 block of Lovegrass Terrance, New Kent, entered guilty pleas to one count each of an amended charge of misdemeanor possession of marijuana less than one ounce (originally possession of marijuana greater than one ounce but less than five pounds) and misdemeanor and misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon.
In a summary of evidence, on Nov. 24, 2025, a New Kent deputy conducted a traffic stop and detected the odor of marijuana. The officer identified Briggs as the driver and noted items inside of the vehicle related to drug use. Briggs was removed from the car and when asked if he had any weapons in the vehicle, the defendant told the officer that there was a gun. The deputy located the firearm, as well as evidence of marijuana inside of the vehicle.
Under the plea agreement, Briggs received a 12-month sentence with all but 15 days to serve on the possession of marijuana conviction. All 12 months on the carrying a concealed weapon were suspended.
–Jessika Elise Robinson, 37, of the 1900 block of Coggin Street, Petersburg, accepted a plea agreement and pled guilty to possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
In a summary of evidence, on Mar. 21, a New Kent deputy was conducting registration checks at the Love’s Truck Stop when one vehicle returned expired. The driver, identified as Robinson, consented to a search where a stun gun was found in the glove compartment. Robinson told the officer that she had it for protection, which was verified by Renick who mentioned the defendant’s history.
Under the agreement, Robinson received a deferred disposition for one year where she must remain on good behavior. If she successfully completes the year of probation, her charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor.