Federal authorities take over kidnapping case after New Kent charges are dropped

Charges of abduction with intent to defile lodged in New Kent against an Iowa couple at the center of an alleged brutal kidnapping during which a young woman allegedly endured torture, starvation, and sexual abuse have been dropped. The case and the suspects are now in the hands of federal authorities. County commonwealth’s attorney Linwood Gregory announced the decision to drop the local charges and transfer custody of the suspects to federal authorities today (Wednesday) in New Kent General District Court. The suspects, Aldair Hodza, 36, and Laura Evelene Sorenson, 31, both of Clive, Iowa, had been scheduled to undergo…
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Preliminary hearing postponed for New Kent man arrested in county’s largest marijuana growing operation

A preliminary hearing for Daniel Ray Norwood, the New Kent man caught up in what local law enforcement officials have labeled the largest marijuana bust in county history, has been postponed until April 7. The hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday in New Kent General District Court, but county commonwealth’s attorney Linwood Gregory said the delay was forced because an analysis of the marijuana seized has not been received from the state crime lab. Norwood, 54, faces one felony count each of manufacturing marijuana, possession of marijuana (more than five pounds) with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm…
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Fire contained in New Kent

New Kent supervisors approve CUP amendment for Colonial Downs

Following the recommendation of New Kent’s Planning Commission, county supervisors voted unanimously to approve an amendment to a conditional use permit (CUP) allowing Colonial Downs to host accessory events. Those events include the county fair, rodeos, and running events. That amendment, however, excludes events such as truck-pulling, mud bogs, and monster trucks. The amendment, that applies to the CUP adopted in 2002, removes language in the CUP that requires track officials to hold a current and valid pari-mutuel horseracing license issued by the Virginia Racing Commission. Last October, Colonial Downs’ owner Jeff Jacobs surrendered the racetrack’s license to the VRC….
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Routine traffic stop leads to arrest in Charles City

A Richmond man faces a felony charge after a background check during a routine traffic stop in Charles City. James Edward Williams Jr., 54, of the 1300 block of Bull Run Drive, was arrested on multiple traffic charges stemming from the Feb. 4 stop. According to the police report, Williams allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Wayside and Roxbury Road and was pulled over by a deputy. After a check, it was revealed Williams’ license had been revoked after he was declared a habitual offender. Williams is charged with driving as a habitual offender…
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Weapons charges lodged against elderly CC man

A Charles City man who allegedly brandished a firearm has been arrested by county deputies. Warren Lampkin, 83, of the 6500 block of Sturgeon Point Road, was taken into custody stemming from a Feb. 5 incident. According to the police report, Lampkin was with two other people when an argument ensued. Other two people involved told deputies that Lampkin allegedly pointed a shotgun at them. After a search of the premises, deputies recovered the weapon. Lampkin is charged with two counts of brandishing a firearm. He was released on a personal recognize bond and is scheduled to appear in Charles…
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Charles City man, three juveniles face assault by mob charges

A Charles City man and three juveniles now face charges of assault by mob after a Feb. 7 incident. Charles City deputies arrested Matthew Chandler Colon-Montgomery, 18, of the 3900 block of Haupts Lane. According to the police report, authorities responded to an alleged assault on Perks Lane. The victim told deputies that Colon-Montgomery and three juveniles allegedly removed him from his residence and assaulted him outside. The victim suffered minor injuries. The victim also indicated that he knew the alleged assailants. Colon-Montgomery faces one count of felony assault by mob and was being held on $1,500 secured bond at…
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Man charged with reckless driving in New Kent

A Richmond man has been charged with reckless driving stemming from a Feb. 7 accident in New Kent. John W. Salo, 47, received the charge from state police after his 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer crossed a double-line section of Adkins Road (Route 618) and struck a 2011 BMW. Salo was transported to a nearby medical facility with non-threatening injuries. The driver of the BMW was not injured. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

One dead after Charles City fire at home

One person is dead after a fire broke out at a Charles City residence early Friday morning. Fire and rescue crew members responded to the 4600 block of Dobie Trail shortly after 4 a.m. on Feb. 6. Upon arrival, the trailer was engulfed in flames. Witnesses reported that a man was trapped inside the home, but firefighters were unable to make progress due to the flames. Once the fire was extinguished, fire crews entered the house where the man’s body was located. The name of the victim has not been released by authorities pending notification of next to kin. Cause…
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Few address CC school board on reconfiguration of schools, FY15-16 budget

With a modest attendance of 30 people, only a handful took the opportunity to speak during Charles City School Board’s public hearings Tuesday night. School board members prepared to address questions and concerns of citizens relating to a reconfiguration of schools and a proposed $10.1 million FY2015-16 budget outlined by superintendent of schools David Gaston that was presented last December. Gaston opened the meeting with the first public hearing focused on a proposed reconfiguration of schools for Charles City. A recommendation would have the current elementary school host grades Pre-K to sixth, while the current middle/high school complex would become…
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