News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 27, 2026
Local News
Richmond man convicted for stealing iPhone from 7-Eleven in New Kent
A Richmond man who confiscated a cell phone off the countertop of a convenience store was found guilty on a single count of grand larceny. Alfredo Joa Guardado-Orellana, 40, of the 4600 block of Southwood Parkway, received the conviction as part of a Monday afternoon contested trial in New Kent Circuit Court. On March 20, Sheila White worked as a clerk at the 7-Eleven convenience store in Eltham. While working on a project in the store, she propped her iPhone 7-Plus to listen to music. Shortly thereafter, the lunch rush entered into the store and White went to assist with…
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Three indicted by grand jury in Charles City Circuit Court
Three men were indicted by a Charles City grand jury during Tuesday morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court. –Tevin Lamar Brown, 23, of the 14000 block of The Glebe Lane, Charles City, on one count of misdemeanor failure to appear. Brown allegedly didn’t appear for a court trial on May 25. –Brent Edward Tanner, 47, of the 18000 block of The Glebe Lane, on one count each of arson of a dwelling usually occupied, possession of a concealed weapon by a felon, and felony resisting arrest. On Mar. 26, the defendant allegedly tried to burn a home after a…
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New Kent jury renders not guilty verdict against Toano man in alleged sex crime case
After five hours of testimony and 65 minutes of deliberation, a New Kent jury found a Toano man innocent on an alleged sex crime. The group of seven men and five women ruled that a single count of aggravated sexual battery of a minor less than 13 years old made against Allen Scott Rutherford Jr., 34, of the 100 block of Leisure Lane, was falsified after hearing evidence at Monday’s trial in New Kent Circuit Court. Special prosecutor Clay Blanton opened the proceedings by calling the defendant’s mother to the stand. On the stand, the woman said that after taking…
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Curtis Security Group representatives defend tactical training facility proposal for Barhamsville
At most New Kent Board of Supervisors’ work sessions, usually a dozen people show up as county leaders handle normal items and conduct discussions. But at Wednesday morning’s meeting, a near-capacity audience filled the room to hear Curtis Security’s Group first pitch for a tactical training facility. Representatives from Curtis Security Group sat in front of county supervisors for the first time to explain the concepts of the tactical training facility. Since its initial presentation to the county’s planning commission in May, the group says it has been criticized and opponents of the proposed training facility have misinterpreted information. A…
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New Kent man who stole checks from former employer to serve 14 months in jail
A New Kent man who stole checks from his former employer on two separate occasions will spend the next 14 months in jail. Nicolei Joseph Grindheim, 21, entered guilty pleas to one count each of petty larceny (third offense), breaking and entering, and larceny of checks as part of a plea agreement reached Monday in New Kent Circuit Court. In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory, on Dec. 15, 2017, a New Kent deputy responded to Virginia Recycling after receiving a call from owner Christopher Kahn. Kahn told the officer that he saw that two cashed…
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Historic bill signing clears path for Colonial Downs reopening in New Kent
After opening its doors on Sept. 1, 1997 and closing on Oct. 14, 2014, Colonial Downs remained dormant after 6,260 days of operation. Now, after three-and-a-half years of no activity, the facility will reopen once again. Governor Ralph Northam signed into legislation House Bill 1609 Friday afternoon, allowing for that betting on historical horse racing and establishing historic horse racing as a form of horse racing. This allows for bets to be placed on pari-mutuel poos from wagers placed on previously conducted races at both the racetrack owned or operated by a licensee or satellite facilities. “Horse racing is a…
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Barhamsville residents raise concerns for tactical facility
Concerns over a proposed tactical training facility in Barhamsville has sparked a battle between the developer and residents of the area. After more than 100 residents from the area located in eastern New Kent appeared before the county’s planning commission Monday night, the group reconvened Tuesday night at Gauthier Vineyards. The message was clear: “No combat ranges in New Kent.” With a group of opponents wearing bright orange shirts at the meeting, the issue of a proposed tactical training facility by the Curtis Security Group appeared before commissioners last month. Barhamsville residents responded, sounding off through social media and at…
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Jury convicts Lanexa man guilty on embezzlement, attempted extortion charges
After a 12-hour jury trial, a Lanexa man was convicted of one charge of embezzlement and attempted extortion. The jury rendered their verdict against W. Walker Ware IV during the June 14 trial in New Kent Circuit Court. Seven charges of obtaining money by false pretenses were tossed out by Judge B. Elliott Bondurant. According to Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory, Ware was a developer for a New Kent subdivision. In 2006, he approached four lot owners about fixing the roads in the subdivision. After an agreement was made, evidence presented revealed that minimal repairs occurred. On one occasion, Ware withdrew…
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Mechanicsville man takes plea related to drug charges in New Kent
A Mechanicsville man will enter into a rehabilitation program as part of a plea agreement reached Monday morning in New Kent Circuit Court. Alexander Matthew Nikolis, 20, of the 8000 block of Rutland Road, entered guilty pleas to an amended charge of misdemeanor accessory after the fact to a felony (originally possession of a schedule II substance), an amended charge of misdemeanor distribution of marijuana (originally felony sale/distribution of marijuana), and three misdemeanor charges of pretrial violations. One count of distributing marijuana was dropped. In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Greogry, on Jan. 23, 2017, a…
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Pilot suffers minor injuries in New Kent airplane crash
Virginia State Police is investigating a plane crash that took place near New Kent County Airport. Officers responded shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, to the 7000 block of Airport Road. According to the press release, a preliminary investigation revealed that Conelius Obrien, 61, of Mechanicsville, was piloting a Cessna 172D single engine aircraft when he was attempting to take off. The plane briefly went airborne before it crashed into the wood line. Obrien was taken to a local medical facility for treatment of minor injuries. Mechanical issues are being considered a factor into the cause of the…
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