News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 5, 2025
Local News
Amendment request garners opposition, NKPC deferral
An amendment that would allow additional uses at Rock Creek Villas in Bottoms Bridge will have to wait at least two months before receiving a recommendation from New Kent’s Planning Commission. An Oct. 16 Monday night meeting saw the project hit a wall after some residents voiced opposition based on past experiences. Peggy and William Cunningham proposed a new amendment that would add “senior housing units-attached, assisted living, attached, medical, and physical therapy” as permitted uses at the development. Representatives of the WODA Group presented on behalf of the Cunninghams, saying the facilities will be occupied by seniors age 55…
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Waterview man sentenced to 30-month prison term in New Kent Circuit Court
A Waterview man will spend the next two-and-a-half years in prison after receiving formal sentencing during Oct. 16 proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. Zachary Widmark, 21, of 85 Parrots Creek Lane, received a five-year sentence with all but two years suspended on a charge of possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance (LSD). The two years to serve is a mandatory minimum under state statute. He will also serve an additional six months on a single conviction of felony child abuse. During an Aug. 14 trial, Widmark entered an Alford plea of guilt (meaning while…
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New Kent woman pleads guilty to stealing tools in Charles City
A New Kent woman accepted a plea deal stemming from stealing tools from a relative’s home last November in Charles City. India Alexis Wynn, 22, of the 8900 block of Shewsbury Drive, entered a guilty plea to one count of grand larceny during Oct. 6 proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court. One count each of breaking and entering and misdemeanor destruction of property were dropped as part of the agreement. In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Tyler, on Nov. 24, 2016, Wynn and her boyfriend at the time, Landry Bailey, entered into a camper and shed…
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Primitive camping approved at Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park in Charles City
Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park in Charles City will now be a camping site for hikers, kayakers, and bikers. Charles City supervisors approved 2-1 a proposal for a primitive campsite at the park. Justin Doyle of the James River Association presented plans for the construction of three primitive camping areas and one group camping area to county leaders during the Sept. 26 regular board meeting. The proposed locations for the campsites are on the northside of Lawrence Lewis Jr. park near the picnic and restroom area. “The primitive campsites would create an existing gap of a camping network along the James…
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Quinton man found guilty on reduced charge of misdemeanor assault and battery
A man who got into an altercation last winter with a relative over the use of nicotine products in his home was convicted on a reduced charge of misdemeanor assault and battery. Richard Ivan Texler Jr., 58, of Quinton, was rendered a guilty verdict on the reduced charge (originally malicious wounding) during Sept. 25 afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. One charge of strangulation was struck due to insufficient evidence. Monday afternoon’s contest trial revolved around a Dec. 9, 2016 incident between Texler and a relative. Special prosecutor Clay Blanton said that the victim was staying at Texler’s home…
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Charles City’s school enrollment above projections
Charles City schools enrollment numbers came in above expectations as of its 10-day report. Charles City Elementary School has a current enrollment of 347 students, while 308 pupils fill the halls of Charles City High School, for a total of 655 for the system (includes 30 preschool students). Enrollment projections penciled an estimated average daily membership (ADM) of 611 students for the 2017-18 year.
Virginia State Police warn of “automated ticket” scam
Virginia State Police is warning all Virginias of an email scam that revolves around traffic tickets. Police have learned of a scam through emails that a person has received an “automated traffic ticket” from the state police. Virginia State Police does not use or issue digital/automated traffic tickets or summonses. Anyone receiving such an email should delete it and not click on any links provided in the email. The email scam is just one of numerous tactics used by scammers to harass individuals under the guise of being Virginia State Police. Virginia State Police reminds all individuals to delete emails…
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Alleged escapee indicted on 17 charges by New Kent Grand Jury
A New Kent man who escaped from Henrico Jail East has been indicted on several charges related to offenses that were allegedly committed afterwards. Howard Allen Groffel, 52, currently of Henrico Jail East, was indicted on 17 charges during Monday morning grand jury proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. According to the indictments, Groffel escaped Henrico Jail East on the night of Apr. 25 and entered a vehicle, stealing a wallet and credit cards belonging to Samuel Howard. It is also alleged that he used those cards to purchase a weapon and ammunition. Groffel is charged with five counts of…
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Technology tattles on defendant as plea deal reached in NK court
In science fiction movies, a depiction of betrayal by technology usually leads to the downfall of mankind. For one defendant in New Kent Circuit Court, he wished that display only stayed in films. Jon Matthew Willis, 23, of the 6300 block of Hickory Road, Quinton, entered guilty pleas to one count each of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and misdemeanor possession of marijuana as part of Sept. 18 court proceedings. In a summary of evidence, on Mar. 13 New Kent deputies stopped a vehicle that was a target of a drug operation. Once stopped, the driver, identified as…
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Providence Forge man accepts plea deal to assault charges
A Providence Forge man will spend the next year in jail after accepting a plea deal during Sept. 15 proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court. Harlan Egan Adkins, 46, of the 4700 block of Adkins Road, Providence Forge, entered guilty pleas to two counts of assault and battery of a family member (third offense) as part of the agreement. In a summary of evidence, on Apr. 12, Adkins went to the home of relatives in an intoxicated state. An argument ensued followed by an altercation, resulting in Adkins striking two relatives. He was arrested and information found in his criminal…
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