News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 31, 2026
Local News
New Kent SOL test scores above state average
New Kent County students continue to excel on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, exceeding the state average in most categories. Director of instructional technology, testing, and accountability Ross Miller delivered the news during New Kent’s regular school board meeting Monday night. In a letter addressed to the school board, students at George Watkins Elementary exceeded the state average in nine out of 11 tests, including a 13 percent gain in writing and 14 percent gain in fourth grade math. At New Kent Elementary, eight out of 11 tests exceeded the state average. New Kent Middle School students also showed a…
Read Full Story
Woman with drug problem learns fate in New Kent Circuit Court
A New Kent woman with a history of drug-related problems learned her fate after completing the second of two trials during Monday afternoon court proceedings in New Kent. Samantha Nicole Rigdon, 21, of the 9000 block of Shewsbury Drive, accepted a plea agreement to one count of distributing heroin. One charge of possession of heroin was dropped. Rigdon admitted that on March 18 she sold the substance to an undercover informant. The trial was the second for the defendant, who awaited sentencing from an Aug. 11 trial. During that trial, Rigdon entered guilty pleas to three counts of grand larceny,…
Read Full Story
Benjamin Harrison Bridge to close twice in September
Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced new dates for the closure of the Benjamin Harrison Bridge connecting Charles City and Prince George County to replace the bridge’s auxiliary drive. The bridge’s first closing will be Sept. 8, 7 a.m. to Sept. 12, 8 a.m. and once again will close Sept. 22, 7 a.m. to Sept. 26, 8 a.m. Motorists are advised to take Route 5 westbound from Charles City to Interstate 295 southbound as an alternative route. Drivers may exit onto Route 10 eastbound (exit 13A) to return to Prince George. Travelers may also use the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry in…
Read Full Story
Two Quinton men arrested for drug distribution
Two Quinton men have been arrested on suspicion of distributing drugs in New Kent. Thomas A. Bevis, 21, of the 2600 block of New Kent Highway, and Chancy W. Cummings, 21, of the 9400 block of Sherwood Drive, were arrested in late July. Both suspects were targets in an operation conducted by the Twin Rivers Drug Task Force. Bevis is charged with three counts of distribution of a schedule I or II controlled substance, while Cummings is charged with one count of distribution of a schedule I or II controlled substance. Both men were being held at Henrico Jail East….
Read Full Story
More items stolen from vehicles in Brickshire
More break-ins have occurred at the Brickshire subdivision in New Kent. From Aug. 29-30, several vehicles were entered during the overnight hours. According to the police report, several items were taken from inside. Vehicles entered were unlocked at the time of the theft. New Kent Sheriff’s Office is advising citizens to lock their vehicle doors. If anyone saw a suspicious vehicle or person during the aforementioned date, call the sheriff’s office at 966-9500 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.
Body of New Kent drowning victim recovered
The body of a Providence Forge man has been recovered from the Pamunkey River. New Kent Fire and Rescue pulled the body of William G. Hodges, 68, of the 6300 block of Pocahontas Trail at approximately 8:30 a.m. this morning (Sept. 2). Chief deputy J. Joe McLaughlin Jr. said the victim was not wearing a life vest. Hodges’ body was located 40 yards on the eastern shoreline from the victim’s last known contact with eyewitnesses. McLaughlin said on Aug. 31, Hodges was attempting to start his stalled pontoon boat that became stranded on the Pamunkey River. After two failed attempts,…
Read Full Story
Fire injures one at home in New Kent
An early Wednesday morning fire has injured one person in New Kent. A mobile home became engulfed in flames at the 1300 block of Dispatch Road around 5 a.m. Five individuals were inside the home during the start of fire. Upon arrival, units found the structure in flames and confirmed all occupants had escaped the home. One occupant sustained a minor injury exiting the home. That individual was treated at the site by emergency staff. Two adults and three children were displaced by the fire and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross. Fire and rescue crews from New Kent,…
Read Full Story
Torn check for scrap metal net CC man guilty verdicts in New Kent
When Donald Charity discovered junked trucks from his property were missing on Jan. 27, 2012, he scavenged the land to find any type of clue to how they disappeared. What the victim found was a torn check, which eventually would lead to guilty convictions for his cousin. Kenneth Alton Charity, 50, of the 9400 block of Stagg Run Road, Charles City, was convicted on one count each of grand larceny and obtaining money by false pretenses during Tuesday afternoon New Kent Circuit Court proceedings. Testimony by Donald Charity indicated that on the aforementioned date, he went to his property on…
Read Full Story
Lanexa men arrested after alleged altercation lead to injuries
A pair of Lanexa men have been arrested on one count each of malicious wounding after a verbal confrontation escalated to a physical altercation. Charles Edward Laxton III, 34, of the 13000 block of Old Telegraph Road, and Clayton Garcia Roberts, 51, of the 100 block of Selby Lane, were taken into custody on Aug. 21 for the incident. According to the police report, New Kent deputies responded to Windsor Shades in response to an alleged stabbing incident. Upon arrival, Laxton was discovered with a laceration to his arm. While Laxton was treated at a Richmond hospital, deputies received a…
Read Full Story
Joyride on motorcycle convicts Petersburg man in New Kent Circuit Court
A Petersburg man, whose motorcycle joyride turned into a high speed chase, has entered no contest pleas to one count each of felony eluding police and misdemeanor reckless driving. Perry N. Sutton, 24, of the 200 block of N. Sycamore Street, Apt. 25, acknowledged his actions during Aug. 25 New Kent Circuit Court proceedings. In a summary of evidence, a state trooper observed three motorcycles weaving in traffic and passing vehicles via the shoulder on Mar. 22. As the trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the two bikes towards the back pulled over but the lead bike accelerated. A…
Read Full Story
